Shany Ahmed is an artist who’s whimsical and cosmic nature has helped many author’s words come to life. Through her philanthropy work within her community in Malaysia to painting murals and creating fashion ( if you know anything about me, you know I had a previous life and passion for fashion), Shandy is so passionate about life and creating beauty all around her. I had the pleasure of working with her on my 1st book of many and our chemistry was instant. There was very little I had to say about the message of Celeste Is A Star. She just knew. I trusted her intuition and her eye.

– How did you get started as a children’s book illustrator?

A local author from Malaysia, Malini, who was writing her first children’s book found my work through Instagram a couple of years ago. Though i’ve illustrated for various projects beforehand, this book was my first ever fully illustrated children’s book. After that I fell in love with making illustrations for children’s picture books!

– How do you choose what book you would like to illustrate and how do you know if its a good fit or not?

I always request to have a read through of the book script before I take any children’s book project. I usually am drawn to books that convey beautiful messages coupled with characters with fascinating imaginations.

– What inspires you as an artist?

I believe everything in nature inspires me as an artist. From flora and fauna, textures, natural and manmade structures and so on. Im also an avid fan of mythological creatures and fantasy inspired drawings and novels, and I think these things often find their way as subject in most of my works.

– I know children’s book illustrations are not all that you do in the art world. Can you tell us some of the other projects you are a part of?

I love creating art in any form and medium I can! Aside from illustrating childrens’ books, Im also a visual art muralist and graphic designer, often working on fashion design and product design projects.

– What is your one word of advise to anyone who feels the need to create?

Perseverance. I think being an artist or someone who creates in any medium, needs to persevere to go forth in their career. It can be challenging and sometimes even discouraging working in this industry. But having that drive to move forward and overcome obstacles will be a reward in itself for your self and your career down the line.