Story & Lesson Highlights with Chamisa Kellogg

We recently had the chance to connect with Chamisa Kellogg and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chamisa, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My day starts around 7:30 or 8am. I take my dog for a short walk around our Portland neighborhood before coming back to make coffee and a little breakfast. Getting outside first thing in the morning is really helpful for my mood and energy. I also like to get a short home workout or yoga session in (20 minutes or so), before settling in for work at about 9/9:30am.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Chamisa. I am an illustrator, author and surface designer based in Portland, Oregon. I have illustrated five picture books, and written one! I’m currently working on writing and illustrating a graphic novel for ages 8-12, due out in 2028. I also work in the surface design industry, creating repeat patterns and graphics for children’s clothing and products. I really love both sides of my creative practice, they challenge me in different ways and I find it helpful to have different creative modes to switch between, to keep things fresh and exciting.
I would characterize my children’s illustration work as nostalgic and fresh, gentle and bold. I use a combination of traditional materials like gouache, colored pencil and crayon, as well as digital illustration. I enjoy telling stories that celebrate compassion, humor, hope and connection, and firmly believe a good children’s book should be equally enjoyable for adults.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my parents is the foundation for my creativity in many ways. From the beginning, they have encouraged me to follow my creative instincts, and to think with a curious, open mind. Both of my mom and my dad are trained architects and they each have they’re own creative habits that inspired me to make things. My mom taught me to knit, sew, and bake and my dad worked as a carpenter when I was young and showed me the way around a wood shop. Both f them are also fantastic at drawing. More than learning techniques, though, it was witnessing their daily passion and drive for life and work that shaped who I am today.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It’s really tough to know what advice/feedback to take or ignore as a young person. Mistakes are inevitable and part of the process. I think I would remind my younger self that embracing your weirdness and quirks, and being open and vulnerable about them — rather than trying to fit in or be a social chameleon — will ultimately lead to the happiest life, the best relationships and the most fulfilling work.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I know I will make work for young people my whole life. Reading and books are so important for early childhood development, strengthening connection between the reader and the listener, and introducing new concepts and ideas in a safe and fun way. Censorship in the book world is increasing at an alarming rate, and my personal belief is that we set children up for success by *giving* them access to books and information, not by taking it away. I’m a member of Authors Against Book Bans and regularly donate to Unite Against Book Bans, a national initiative of the American Library Association that fights censorship. Teachers and Librarians can get a Freedom to Read poster for free in my shop (https://www.chamisakellogg.com/shop/p/freedom-to-read-poster), and purchases of posters support Unite Against Book Bans.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
It took me a long time to build an illustration career that feels sustainable, so I think I’m always approaching my work with a sense that some things might not pay off for a long time. I’ve found that creating work that’s guided by my personal interests and curiosities, rather than what the market dictates, has yielded the most interesting and enjoyable client projects. I approach professional relationships in the same way, and make sure to stay in touch via social media and my email newsletter. You never know when someone you met at a conference or meetup six years ago might be reach out about a project that’s just the right fit.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All images copyright Chamisa Kellogg

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Betting on the Brightside: Developing and Fostering Optimism

Optimism is like magic – it has the power to make the impossible a reality

Highlighter Series
What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?

There is no one path – to success or even to New York (or Kansas).

Leadership Development
Finding & Living with Purpose

Over the years we’ve had the good fortunate of speaking with thousands of successful entrepreneurs,