About

Hey there! I am Melanie Brustad, a self proclaimed tree hugger, animal lover, and freelance illustrator based in Sarasota, Florida.

My work is an expression of self-love. I often explore themes of childhood, nature, and community—things that make me feel deeply human. My illustrations are fit for picture books, book covers, and all things children’s media. Especially those that explore themes of queer love, environmental education, and the unique interactions between kids and animals. My main goal when creating is to capture the child-like curiosity towards the world and inspire a deep respect for all living beings, aiming to inspire compassion and positive change. 

I’m always finding new ways to create, even outside of my illustration work. In the off chance you catch me while I’m not creating, I am most likely at my local park, a coffee shop, or serving the many needs of my lovable cat, Pablo. Let’s stay in touch! find me on instagram @melaniegrowsart

Contact

Melanie is proudly represented by Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary. For publishing inquiries, please reach out to Tracy Marchini at tmarchini@bookendsliterary.com

For general inquiries or commissions: mb@melaniebrustad.com