Hello! my name is Shlee DuPuis and I am a children’s book illustrator from

Denver, Colorado.

 

     For as long as I can remember, I've had a passion for art and storytelling. From scribbling outside the lines of a coloring book as a kid to graduating from art school, what drives me to create is my love of nature, human connection, and nostalgia from my childhood. 

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     I graduated from Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) in the spring of 2021 with a BFA in illustration with a concentration in children’s book illustration and am a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). During my time at RMCAD I earned many accolades for the work I produced:

• “Second Place, Best Use of Media” 2019 Red Shoe Awards

• “Silver award in Illustration” at RMCAD’s 57th Annual Student Exhibition

• “Second Place, Most innovative” 2020 red Shoe Awards

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     My medium of choice is gouache paints though I love to doodle away on my iPad. I love combining analog textures with flat colors and shapes to achieve a dynamic and visually interesting illustration. The story is something I’m passionate about and I try to convey that in every illustration.

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     My goal as a children’s book illustrator is to entertain, educate, and inspire. I take a special interest in themes such as environmentalism, mental health, and the human condition. Through analog textures, flat color, and vivid color palettes I like to create illustrations that are positive and empathetic to readers.