Dreams, ideas, and plans not only are an escape,
they give me purpose, a reason to hang on. 
- Walt Disney
Tales for Creative Minds: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and about you as an artist? I have always loved drawing and especially creating greeting cards. When
I was little my grandma took care of me while my mom was at work and
was always looking for a way to keep me busy (and out of trouble). One
day instead of buying a card for a uncle's birthday she had me make one.
That's when I learned how much people appreciate getting a personal
letter or card in the mail opposed to just a store bought one. After
working in the corporate world (and still there today with high hopes of
escaping soon) I never thought of being my own boss or that I could
actually sell my illustrations.
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| © Michelle Littler |
But one co-worker asking for wedding
invitations and a huge amount of support later and I took the leap (no
pun intended) and created littletoad. I love creating unique and
personal greetings for all occasions from weddings to just a note saying
"Hi"! I think in this age of email it's even more important to never
forget the feeling of getting a letter in the mail.
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| © Michelle Littler |
TFCM: What first drew you to illustration? I have been drawing as long as I can remember but I never knew it could
be an actual job. I was originally planning on attending law school until
I saw a commercial for the Art Institute; two months later I was on my way
to art school. I originally started out in animation but soon learned I'd rather be one of the students covered in charcoal so I took Graphic
Design with a focus in Illustration.
TFCM: What challenges have you faced in developing your style? People's perceptions about it. Since my style is cartoony and fun some people tend to undervalue it both in time and money.
TFCM: What techniques do you use? I would say 90% of my time is sketching with a pencil, the rest of the time is spent digitally coloring my illustrations.
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| © Michelle Littler |
TFCM: What other artists would you say have either inspired or influenced your own work? Walt Disney is my biggest influence. I used to watch the movies over and
over again but unlike other children I would watch them with a pencil
and a sketchbook in my hands, trying to recreate the characters I was
seeing on the screen. I also loved Jim Henson, Jim Davis, Bill
Watterson, Frank & Ollie and more recent influences have been Roma
Dirge, Rob Scotton, Holly Hobbie. Also I'm lucky to have extremely talented friends who are a constant
source of inspiration and people that I am always bouncing ideas off
of. Shameless shouts outs: uglyclothes (amazing creations), lani harmon (wonderful photography).
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| © Michelle Littler |
TFCM: In your view, how does knowledge and experience influence an artist's work? Experience is important because it gives you a great perspective and the knowledge to let other people's opinions dictate your work. Knowledge
is important because if you want to be a great illustrator you are going
to be a constant student.
TFCM: How important is experimentation with media in developing one's craft?
I love to try new mediums because it gets you unstuck and, who knows, you
may find something you never thought you would be good at.
TFCM: Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share with us?
I am currently working on a series of "UP" inspired wedding invitations and cards .
Also in September I will be at the DIY festival in Ferndale Michigan.
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| © Michelle Littler |
TFCM: Anything else you'd like to share?
Love and believe in what you do and everything else will fall into place.
You can find Michelle's work here:
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