“I think a lot of people say, ‘I’ve been drawing since I was little.’ But I think most little kids draw, it’s just that some people quit, and so I just didn’t quit.
Brianne Farley is a children’s picture book author and illustrator in Traverse City, creating children’s books since 2011.
“I did graduate school in illustration and while I was there, there was no children’s book illustration program, but that’s what I focused on,” says Farley.
You can tell she knew from a young age that making art and storytelling was “in the books” for the future.
“When I was in elementary school, we had to write a speech about ‘when I grow up’ and I wrote a speech about how I wanted to be Roald Dahl and Quinton Blake combined.”
Inspired by her own curiosity and passion,
Her love for art led her to illustrate seven children’s books.
“I think the cool thing about picture books is that you tap into those universal truths a little bit so kids can relate to someone who looks like them or get a glimpse of a world that looks nothing like their world and can truly relate to it.”
One of his books that shares these universal truths is called “Dozens of Donuts.”
“Even if you tell the story of a bear that eats donuts…”
It presents a much deeper message…
“This book is really about friendship, sharing and boundaries, like when is it okay to stop sharing and say no, and how to apologize. It feels like such a small and simple story, but this are those huge universal truths that are just as powerful for adults who read them as they are for children.
Farley’s style can be described as…
“Rather whimsical, funny or numerous and sometimes hyper detailed. I’m going to draw an animal very realistically over and over again, then relax, relax, relax, and then I’ll finish with my character.
Leaving plenty of room for expression.
“A bear can’t really hold a plate full of donuts and so you have to give it flexibility to be able to do these things. I hope when people look at my art, it’s a window into history.
And if you ask Farley what the rest of his story is…
His future plans include…
“I am currently working on designing a mural for the Dennos Museum in the children’s room which will have an interactive quality.”
But meanwhile…
“You can see my murals all over town. I have a mural at the Woodmere branch at the library, and Little Fleet, and Elevate Climbing Gym, and Grocer’s Daughter at Empire.
