RAE RITCHIE
Rae Ritchie is a freelance illustrator based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who specializes in illustrating children’s books and creating artwork for kids.
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CREATIVE STATEMENT
My interest in children's book illustration began at a very young age. My dad taught me how to draw mushrooms when I was 7 years old, and I wrote and illustrated a book for him about a gnome who lived in a mushroom house. That type of subject matter—of fantasy and forests—still very much influences my work. As an illustrator who specializes in flora and fauna, I nurture this focus by going outside and examining the natural world through a filter of wonder and humility. The wide natural world is booming with endless inspiration, and deserves our endless admiration and appreciation. The aspect I love most about children's book illustration is its ability to open up worlds to young readers, and inspire them to act in goodness as they grow. For me, the two most important qualities of a successful children's illustration are to get at real emotions and movement, to create dynamic visuals to interest and excite the reader.
RECENT CLIENTS
- Dear Stella
- Running Press
- Manhattan Toy Co.
Q&A
What was your favorite storybook as a child?
The Bunny Book by Richard Scarry
Which authors do you admire most?
Beatrix Potter, Richard Scarry and Tasha Tudor.
What characteristic really brings a children’s book to life?
Dynamic shapes, and varying scale to create movement.