The Weight of the Words
Building Worlds with Mindful Purpose
In the world of professional writing, I have grown to realize that no word is ever just a placeholder. Each one carries a specific weight and a lasting influence. This is especially true in the realm of children’s literature. The stories we share do more than just entertain. They shape the way young minds perceive the world and their place within it. For me, these books are a commitment to that responsibility. They ensure that every sentence is crafted with the care and integrity our children deserve.
A story, however, is only half-told through text. To truly animate these magical creations, a group of visionaries is needed. They must see what lies hidden between the lines. I am incredibly proud to work with a team of gifted illustrators. Each illustrator brings a unique soul and perspective to our projects. I would like to step aside and give these artists the spotlight they deserve. Join us on this journey of creation, as we blend words and art to build something truly lasting.
Destanee views art not merely as a hobby, but as a profound family legacy. As a third-generation artist following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, she has spent her life navigating the world through a creative lens. While drawing serves as her primary medium, her artistic passion extends into painting and tattoo artistry, embracing any canvas that allows a story to be told.
Her greatest inspiration, however, is rooted at home. As a mother of two, Destanee’s children are the center of her universe and the primary audience for her imagination. She and her oldest son frequently engage in “story contests” to see who can dream up the wildest adventures (though she secondary admits he remains the reigning champion).
After years of being encouraged to venture into professional illustration, Destanee saw this current opportunity as the definitive sign to begin her next chapter. An enthusiastic and outgoing spirit, she thrives on connecting with people and bringing vibrant ideas to life. She is thrilled to finally merge her love for family, fine art, and the power of storytelling into this new professional endeavor.
Nikki Barnhart is a graphic designer and freelance artist based in a small town in Ohio. While she is highly skilled in digital media, she also finds creative fulfillment in the tactile process of crafting 3D needle-felted pieces during her spare time.
Most of her days are spent at home, where her family and pets serve as a primary source of inspiration for her artistic endeavors.
The heart of Nikki’s creative journey began when she became a mother at age 15½. Her most cherished memories from that time are the simple, quiet moments spent reading to her son, teaching him about colors and sounds, and watching his imagination flourish through books. These formative experiences ignited a lifelong love for children’s storytelling. Driven by a desire to inspire other parents to create similar meaningful bonds with their own children, Nikki is now channeling her artistic talents into an illustration project for a children’s book, merging her professional expertise with a deeply personal mission.
Kaylee Norman is an emerging voice in the contemporary fine arts landscape, currently pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Rio Grande. Her work is characterized by a disciplined exploration of medium and form, a journey that began in the heart of Ohio.
Kaylee’s portfolio has already garnered regional recognition, with her work featured in curated exhibitions such as the Altered Book Exhibit and the prestigious 41st Annual Foothills Art Festival. A frequent contributor to the Rio Grande Student Art Show, she continues to push the boundaries of her craft while maintaining a studio practice in her hometown. Her academic rigor and commitment to the local arts community mark her as a significant artist to watch in the coming years.
Maggie’s artistic journey is defined by a refusal to be pinned down to a single technique. She has cultivated a practice that explores a wide range of mediums, moving fluidly between traditional materials, mixed media, and digital techniques.
This experimental approach is a deliberate choice, as she views the diversity of her work as the foundation for her future career. With an eye toward becoming a professional tattoo artist, Maggie embraces the versatility required by the craft. Her portfolio reflects this flexibility, showcasing a stylistic range that shifts from simple, charming designs to dark, intricate detail.
By treating every new material as an opportunity to learn, she is actively preparing for the diverse requests of the tattoo industry. Maggie finds fulfillment in this multi-faceted path, viewing each stylistic shift as a celebration of her love for creativity and a step toward the professional opportunities ahead.
Heather Congrove 