Welcome to my website!

I grew up in New Jersey with four brothers and sisters, where I had a magical childhood playing in the woods, catching frogs, and sleigh ridging. Now I live in Los Angeles where it’s sunny almost everyday. But I spend most days inside my studio, where I love to create whimsical worlds of dancing pigs or meaningful moments with a grandparent.

My favorite subjects are birds, dogs and children. I guess this makes sense, since I live with a bird named Isabeau, a dog named Bixby and my seven-year-old son, Declan. They give me loads of ideas and they model too!

My house is overflowing with a collection of children’s books. I think the best art in the world sits on my bookshelves. My love of drawing and writing started early. I would make cardboard cutouts of the characters from my books and use them to act out the stories. The first story I wrote and illustrated was called Poochie Saves the Day. I was in third grade and wrote it on my toy typewriter. That’s right, it was before the computer!

After a nutty decision to sell fashion accessories and become a bookkeeper, I got back to my first love, art. I attended Otis College of Art and Design and graduated with a degree in Illustration.

Since then I’ve become an active member of SCBWI and am pursuing a career as an illustrator and fine artist. I plan on drawing and painting until I’m 101. Besides motherhood, it’s the best job there is.

Kat McDonough

PS Dream big!