Hello!
Hi! I'm Michelle. I am an illustrator with a background in molecular biology, English literature and law. I designed greeting cards and stationery under Chelleline Cards for ten years. During that time, my cards were carried in over 100 brick-and-mortar locations, including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the McCord Museum of Montreal, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri.
I currently work as a small business owner and as an educator and raise our two children with my husband.
My illustrator debut, THE BIRD I BECAME by J. Drew Lanham, is scheduled to be published by Enchanted Lion Books in Spring 2026.
My author-illustrator debut, ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A GINGERBREAD HOUSE (tentative title), will be published by Familius in Fall 2028.
Current and past clients include: Enchanted Lion Books, Familius, FamilyAlbum, Rihanyo NPO, The Rad Dad Box, Sundae Home, Little Shu Box, Catalilies Play Cafe, Dress for Success Austin, and private clients.
Awards and Mentions:
We Need Diverse Books Art mentorship, finalist (2025)
My Story
I first became interested in illustration after working on my greeting cards for a few years. However, the time-consuming nature of my work (it was handmade, and I was wholesaling to stores), gave me little time to illustrate and experiment. Then, my son was born, which sent me off in a different direction career-wise (although I did illustrate for my new venture). My experiences as a new parent did inspire me to start Milk Rice Comics, which details our parenting adventures in comic form. Now, with two kids and enough children's books to last for a lifetime, I am ready to re-embark on my illustration journey!
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. If you like my work, please reach out!
919-480-7767