Hi! I’m Tiff! I’m an illustrator and writer working in picture books, board books, chapter books, graphic novels, and children’s editorial.
I received my BFA in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art & Design in 2012. I’ve worked as an in-house product designer, creating gift wrap, puzzles, greetings cards, and activities sold in major retail stores. After that, I started my own business designing printable party decor, valentines, and DIY crafts for kids.
Much of my children’s book illustration work is inspired by nature and science. I love creating endearing animal characters that are also representational. My favorite projects are the ones where I get to totally immerse myself in research and end up learning something new. Equally exciting to me are projects with silly stories, fart jokes, and punny dad humor. They remind me of the books I loved as a kid.
I am a nomad at heart and am happiest when discovering new landscapes. Over the years, I’ve lived out of a self-converted school bus tiny home, a DIY camper van, and these days, I split the year between living and working out of a teeny 13ft trailer, affectionately named Shel and spending time with family at my home base in Auburn, AL.
Some Quick Facts
Favorite color: Mossy green
Sound : Snoring pups
Aroma: Coconut curry
Dream project: Something with our National Parks
Favorite thing to draw: Insects
Favorite place: Hoh National Rainforest
Fauna: Humpback whales
Flora: Banyan trees
Childhood book: Captain Underpants
Childhood Movie: Matilda
Hobbies: Wood carving, birding, cooking, stained glass
Some of my current obsessions:
Kayaking - this new hobby is allowing me to discover the Southeast in a way that feels brand new to me!
Writing and pitching my own stories
Birding and wildlife photography
Volunteering with the Auburn University Raptor Rehab Program - where I feel incredibly lucky to get to interact with vultures, eagles, owls, and more
Making polymer clay key chains and jewelry
Bubble Tea
Thank you for taking the time to read! Please feel free to reach out or follow me on Instagram—I’d love to connect.
Inside our DIY skoolie, Diane Ourbus Video Tour
Our DIY camper van, Vansel Adams Video Tour
Our newest tiny house on wheels, Shel!
Education
Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, Georgia — BFA Illustration — Summa Cum Laude — 2012
Auburn High School, Auburn, Alabama — 2008
Illustrated Picture Books
Meet My Micro-Pets! by Brains On! — 2023
The Garden Next Door by Collin Pine — 2022
My Muddy Puddle by Kristina Nearchou — 2021
Kiki’s First Christmas — Board book by Tamara Forge — 2017
A Christmas Wish — Board book by Tamara Forge — 2017
When Hairy Met Tallie by Stacie Carroll — 2015
Libby and Lionel Save the Moon — Dentistry for Children and MMI Agency — 2014
Luna and Libby and Lionel’s Lost Tooth — Dentistry for Children and MMI Agency — 2013
Getting to Omaha by Valerie Lowrey Doherty — 2012
Husker Game Day by Valerie Lowrey Doherty — 2011
The War Eagle Story by Francesca Adler-Baeder — 2010
Editorial Illustration
Ladybug Magazine— Something Strange in Grandpa’s Woods by Jane Dauster — March 2022
Bay State Parent — Heal Your Birth Tears by Amanda Roberge — March 2012
Chesapeake Family Magazine —Cover — June 2012
Select Clients
Scholastic Graphix, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, River Horse Children’s Books, Pinna Audio, Cricket Media, Source Books