Erin Niehenke

My name is Erin, and I’m an illustrator living near Pittsburgh, PA. I focus on themes of home, family, and nature, and how they connect. I want children (and adults!) to see themselves in books and to feel welcomed, understood, and valued. I believe every child deserves to experience unconditional love from those around them, and picture books can help make that possible in a simple but meaningful way.

I haven’t taken a straight path to illustration; instead, I started out in mechanical engineering, but that background still influences how I create. My engineering degree taught me to solve problems, pay attention to details, and persevere when things get tough. While I keep building my illustration skills and working towards being a published illustrator, I also spend my time running Fresh Cut Prints, my design business for custom wedding invitations.

I’ve grown tremendously as an illustrator by taking professional online courses, including many Make Art That Sells classes with Lilla Rogers and Zoe Tucker. These classes helped me find my style, improve my storytelling, and learn more about the illustration and licensing world.

I would love for my art and stories to show children they aren’t alone and that others understand their quirks and frustrations. I’m looking forward to growing as an illustrator and sharing meaningful work with others.