About Me
Hi, I’m Courtney! I’m an artist, children’s book illustrator, and art educator who loves creating whimsical, colorful, and heartfelt artwork. I am passionate about creating art with elements of diversity, love and kindness, nature, and a little bit of magic.
As an illustrator, I have illustrated six children’s books including Caterpillar Cat by Kristi Anderson and The Adventures of Lizzy & Gabby series by Nesta West. I began illustrating professionally in high school. Since then, my art has been featured in juried art fairs, galleries, and press interviews—including a solo exhibition, Nature’s Beauty, at the Village Arts Factory in June 2025, and the Emerge exhibition at Gutman Gallery in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I won the People’s Choice Award.
My art is first created digitally, freehand with a stylus. Each piece involves thousands of individual strokes, making for a painterly style. Starting with my solo exhibition, I have also begun to add mixed media elements to my art. After the digital art is printed with archival paper and ink, I add other elements on top like hand-painted flowers, iridescent ink, and even yarn. My goal is to create artwork that sparks imagination, emotion, and connection - whether it’s decorating a child’s room, becoming part of a collector’s gallery, or bringing a moment of magic and whimsy to anyone’s day.
As a Christian, Black, and neurodivergent illustrator, I am passionate about creating artwork that inspires joy and encourages love - both towards others and ourselves. I want people to see themselves in my art and the stories I illustrate. One of my dreams is to work on projects as an illustrator or visual development artist that combine art and faith. Another is to publish my own author-illustrated children’s books that not only entertain, but encourage empathy and seeing the beauty in the world around them.
In addition to illustrating, I teach art to kids at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center and in Detroit Public Schools. I also do private drawing lessons. I love seeing kids grow in their confidence and art skills, and find joy in creating art. I have also had the pleasure of doing illustrator visits to read the books I’ve illustrated to kids.
While illustration is my primary focus, I also have an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design and experience with branding, digital design, and print.
I am available for commissions, school visits, private lessons, and freelance illustration and design projects. For inquiries, email courtney@criderillustrations.com.
Recognition
Village Arts Factory – Solo Exhibition, Nature's Beauty
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Gutman Gallery – Emerge Exhibition, People’s Choice Award
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Tangent Gallery – Exhibition Participant
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Artistonish Magazine – Featured Artist, October 2024 Edition
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Current Magazine – Interview Feature
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Bold Journey – Artist Interview
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Shoutout Michigan – Artist Feature
2025 Upcoming Events
Art on the Grand - June 7-8
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Art in the Park Plymouth - July 11-13
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Fenton Art Walk - July 26
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Belle Isle Art Fair - August 2-3
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Common Ground Birmingham Street Art Fair - September 13-14
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Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition - November 13-14