We recently revealed that Lilla Rogers Studio is taking on a new artist who is also a Make Art That Sells student. This week we’re thrilled to be able to tell you that LRS’s newest artist is …

Kelly Anne Dalton!

Congrats, Kelly Anne!

Lilla said: “Kelly Anne’s work is so strong, cool and eccentric, plus her work demonstrates a charming, quirky imagination.

Her children’s book work in particular is incredibly strong: she’s taken Illustrating Children’s Books a number of times. It was obvious to me that she worked really hard in class and she always delivered: I always knew that her assignments were going to blow me away. You could tell that she was really taking in what Zoë and I were saying, absorbing the information from class and applying it to her work, and that told me that she was willing to work with me and that we could each respect what the other had to offer.

Kelly Anne’s entry for the MATS Global Talent Search in 2018 shows her sense of humor, her ability to tell stories and her beautiful, carefully curated color palette.

Her style is so unique, like an Edwardian/Victorian/Goth mashup with a recognisable color palette that’s very different from my other artists. Her range is amazing: some of her work is very dark in style, which would be great for editorial, middle school books or maybe children’s books with more challenging subject matter, and then some of her work is just fun and happy, like her cover for Pet Problems that she did in a previous Illustrating Children’s Books course. If you want me to make you money then you need to show me that range: she can do everything from spooky edgy stuff that is really edgy (but may take time to find the right project), all the way to more commercial imagery, such as her lovely florals that have a ton of applications, such as cards and home décor.

Kelly Anne’s front cover for Pet Problems, created for a previous Illustrating Children’s Books course. It has a great character, a wonderful expression, beautiful colours, and it’s fun to look at.

Her ability to tell magical stories is fantastic. She has a restrained, curated, use of color, and it’s clear from her work that she has a strong point of view, a very strong vision of her work, and that she’s very confident in her art making. Several of the artists that I took on from the Global Talent Search are now booked solid with children’s book work, and I know I’ll be able to get a ton of work for Kelly Anne too.”

We caught up with Kelly Anne to find out a bit more about her MATS journey so far.

Kelly Anne is strong on faces, which is great in terms of getting work, with a huge range from edgy portraits to cute kids. (Want to improve your skill in drawing faces? You can start Lilla’s Art Recipes: Drawing Faces today!)

MATS: How did you get started in art and design?

I’ve always drawn and been creative, and in 2007 I decided to open an Etsy shop and start selling my colored pencil characters on wood. People kept on buying them, and soon gallery shows and print sales followed. I decided to make the leap from part-time in the fine arts world to full-time illustration in 2017, and luckily stumbled upon MATS to guide me along the way.

Kelly Anne has a unique, quirky style with a great range, from cool and edgy to more commercial pieces of work.

MATS: Which MATS courses have you taken?

I started with Illustrating Children’s Books in February 2017 and have taken all of the classes since. Last year I went through My Year of Art School and loved it so much I signed up for a second go-around this year.

Kelly Anne’s page of character poses from Illustrating Children’s Books has loads of visual interest, from the unusual point of view to the art supplies and fun layout.

MATS: Which was your favorite and why?

Is it fair to say all of them? I really enjoy learning and working in all of the different markets, and MATS gives such a great overview of them. The live classes with Lilla, Zoë, Margo and Beth are wonderful and invaluable, but the self-paced classes are also a treasure trove of information. That’s why My Year of Art School is so great! You get them all!

Kelly Anne’s ability to tell magical stories is very unique and cool. Her work is eccentric and confident with a strong sense of her own vision.

MATS: How did you feel when Lilla got in touch to discuss representation?

It was an absolute dream come true! I’m still pinching myself to see if it was real.

MATS: How have things been since then?

Magical! I’ve had to keep it all secret these past couple of months, which has been so hard because it is one of the biggest, most exciting things to happen in my life. But it has given me the chance to brush up and strengthen my portfolio behind the scenes for the big reveal.

Kelly Anne’s studio

MATS: What work did Lilla have you create for her before launch?

We focused mainly on greeting cards and children’s illustrations.

MATS: Favorite piece of work from MATS?

I think it’s a tie between my Pet Problems and Squirrelled Away covers from Illustrating Children’s Books. I really let my sense of humor come out in Pet Problems, and I created a magical woodsy world in Squirrelled Away.

Kelly Anne’s “magical woodsy world” she created in environment week of a previous Illustrating Children’s Books course.

MATS: What brings you joy?

Finding flow with an illustration and peaceful trail runs in the forest.

MATS: What’s your best tip or piece of advice for MATS student?

Don’t be afraid to share your work and process. The MATS community of creatives is so caring and ready to help.

Kelly Anne’s beautifully ethereal vintage-style florals have a range of uses from home décor to cards and more.

Thank you Kelly Anne, and congratulations again!

Would you like to make gorgeous market-savvy art that sells while remaining true to your own unique style?
Would you like the opportunity to get your work in front of a top art agent, a children’s book art director or creative director?
Would you love to get an email from a top agent offering representation, an art director saying they love your book pitch or your favorite magazine begging you to work for them?