Heather Ross

This illustration is from a post on Heather’s blog (of course we appreciated the paper boats)!

The first time I came in contact with something designed by Heather Ross was in Philadelphia while visiting with my good friend Chelsea at this amazingly beautiful shop called Spool (next to Loop) where I bought this whimsical octopus fabric. It was the cutest and most unique fabric I had ever seen in person! Heather Ross is one of many talented artists that keeps This Paper Ship inspired at full steam ahead. Sure we grumble about why we couldn’t have created something that good ourselves (don’t all artists at one point or another?), but really it keeps us motivated and ever-raising that proverbial bar. Looking into her story further you’ll find that not only is her work incredible and inspiring, but her story is too. As a kid she grew up in a rural life without a TV or phone, and was left to find creative ways to keep herself busy, including learning to sew and knit before age six! Read her whole story here on her about page of her website! It’s artists like Heather Ross that really make us want to never give up the dream of one day being children’s book illustrators and to not be afraid of embracing that whimsical and child-like style that we love! Take a stroll around her website and be inspired! Be sure and check out her blog too!

—Ashley