Hello there.
I’m Shelley Couvillion, and I make pictures and words for humans of all ages.
Some other things I enjoy:
Collecting and cataloguing fossils from our local river.
Raising my kid to be a kick-ass feminist who is also kind.
Sewing old quilts into shirts.
Exploring my Jewish and French ancestries.
Being the snobbiest coffee drinker.
Playing D&D and generally being a huge fucking nerd.
Reading fantasy.
Books are imperative to who I am today as reading was one of my main introvert escapes from a good but chaotic home. A childhood (and current!) favorite series is the Protector Of The Small books by Tamora Pierce. Lady knights. Amazing. I also adore Terry Pratchett.
Gouache and pencils are my preferred medium, there’s something about the tactile experience of working traditionally that I don’t get from producing art on a computer or iPad. During my college years my parents suggested graphic design and I tried it but always returned to my messy paints. I love paint textures and pencil skritches and smudges and though it can take me longer to do the work, for me what I produce is worth the extra effort and time.
One reason I love picture books is they can be a home when the outside world is crazy or scary. I'm raising my kid to be kick-butt and sweet. To be anti-racist and mindful. To be whatever she ends up being (even if that’s not an artist!). I want her to grow up in a kind, inclusive world and because of that, those are the kind of books I have a passion for making. If this rings true for you, let’s talk!
I am currently seeking representation.
If you’d like to work together on a book or For other inquiries you can email me at shelley.couvillion (@) [gmail] . com
Photos by Molly Wantland