Kristine Purcell Sacco
Children's Illustrator
Who or what made you want to become an illustrator?
I have loved art for as long as I can remember, but it was my journey as an art educator working with children with special needs that truly deepened my love of storytelling and illustration. Through these experiences, I discovered the power of creativity to communicate emotions, share experiences, and connect with others in meaningful ways. Working with my students taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and seeing the world through different perspectives—qualities that continue to shape the stories I tell and the illustrations I create.
Animals feature heavily in children’s books – do you have a pet?
I also share my life with two sweet dogs, Ollie and Mitsy, who often find their way into my stories and illustrations. Their personalities, expressions, and everyday antics bring me endless inspiration.
Where do you get the ideas for your characters?
My ideas for characters often come from real life. I find inspiration in the people I meet, the experiences I share, and the little details that make each of us unique. My background as an art educator has taught me to look beyond the surface, appreciate different perspectives, and recognize the stories we all carry. Even my two sweet dogs, For me, the best characters are rooted in real emotions and familiar experiences.
Share your favourite piece of artwork from your portfolio and walk us through its creation.
This illustration captures a special moment in time that I felt compelled to recreate through my art because it tells a story worth sharing.
