My name is Vaeya Nichols. I'm an illustrator with a passion for children’s literature. My work is a way to connect readers with both the natural and imagined world, using storytelling to spark curiosity, nurture empathy, and sometimes just be silly. I love to work in watercolor and colored pencil with soft color palettes that invite the viewer into whimsical stories filled with endearing animal characters and cozy places.

I believe children’s stories don’t need to shy away from complex ideas. I’m inspired by authors and illustrators like Arnold Lobel and Beatrix Potter, who used simple, heartwarming stories about animals to explore deeper themes. Their ability to balance charm, humor, and meaningful narratives drives me to create work that feels both approachable and thoughtful. I also enjoy working on silly, fantastical stories that let readers escape the ordinary and spend time with vibrant characters.

With a lifelong passion for storytelling, I hope to create work that encourages readers of all ages to look closer, ask questions, and grow in awareness of themselves and others.

When I'm not getting paint and pencil shavings all over the place, I enjoy working at the public library, going on lots of walks and picnics, playing music or card games with friends, and hanging out with my cat Miette.

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My name is pronounced "Vay-uh."

 

Education

BFA in Design/Illustration, Missouri State University, to be completed May 2025

 

Awards and Honors

National Gold ADDY Award, American Advertising Federation, 2024

Regional Special Judges Award, Student Illustration, American Advertising Federation, 2024

Regional Gold ADDY Award, American Advertising Federation, 2024

Best Drawing, Juried Student Exhibition, 2024