

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Wuthrich
Hi Brittany, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I wrote and published my first children’s book, BIRD AND THE TREE, with a Kickstarter campaign. It is about processing and living with grief, told through the eyes of a little flightless bird who is about to lose its home.
I sold the book at craft markets, coffee shops, local businesses, and bookstores. As a new mom, I also spent a lot of my time doing maker projects. I made watercolor cards, stickers, and prints available on Etsy and at local markets.
After that experience, I realized how inspired I was by children’s book illustration. I loved working with an illustrator on my book to plot out how the pages were going to tell a visual story. For inspiration, I searched through the shelves of McKay’s. I drove to neighborhood yard sales. I browsed local bookstores. I reconnected with an appreciation for children’s literature and visual storytelling.
I stocked my toddlers’ shelves with books by Shel Silverstein, H.A. Rey, Beatrix Potter, and Mo Willems (to name a few). I admired books with simple drawings that told compelling stories. This started me on a path of pursuing illustration. Adding characters and vignettes to my poems and stories feels like a missing puzzle piece finding its place.
Currently, I am working on a few manuscripts and picture book dummies. Dummies serve as submissions to publishers and agents. I like to tell stories that tackle big feelings with an imaginative lens. I mix digital and traditional methods. I sketch thumbnails and scenes digitally. Then, I finish the sketches with watercolor, gouache, and ink.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Finding space and time to create can be challenging as a stay-at-home mom. I have to be creative (pun intended) to find that balance. My children are a big inspiration to my work and I love getting to spend time with them.
Another thing is that I didn’t go to art school and I’m starting this path in my thirties. I’m learning that does not disqualify me. A lot of learning resources are available online and as long as I am authentic and produce quality work, my age doesn’t matter.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Visual art is a big part of my life. I’m an author/illustrator and create photo art. I’ve been hired by design companies to create visual content for large productions and tours.
I am most proud to say (by the grace of God) that I’m making room for doing work that I love. I believe in sharing art and stories with people. That, my family, and strong coffee help to get me up in the morning.
My work can be viewed at brittanywuthrich.com.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Build a portfolio (I’m still working on this daily). Stay focused. Push through the plateaus. Surround yourself with supportive people. Specifically to illustration, having a mentor has helped me. There are a lot of resources online which can be helpful as well. Draw everyday. Listening to art podcasts helps to motivate me.
Don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of money on fancy art supplies or programs to develop your skills. Find what works for your learning style and be consistent. Set goals. Have a time management system that works for you. Last but not least, have fun.
Pricing:
- I’m offering free shipping to the readers of Nashville Voyager on my site, brittanydwuthrich.com. Purchase a book and use the secret promo code: VOYAGER
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brittanywuthrich.com
- Instagram: @brittwut