From graphic design to children’s books: Hannah Mathis’ artistic leap

Answering an invitation to illustrate a children's book pushed Hannah Mathis '22, a B.A. Art alumna, out of her comfort zone. Her venture into creating original artwork for a storybook began when an email about an opportunity to work with local author Susan Coryell was sent to all Clemson art students.

Art Chair Valerie Zimany sent the proposal out and shared her thoughts on the request.

"We frequently receive external inquiries about working with our students on projects. They can be highly valuable as a learning opportunity to develop professional expectations and relationships in freelance, client-based work - for both our students and the community. Susan Coryell's inquiry caught my attention as she included a detailed proposal and wrote 'I taught secondary school English for thirty years and know the depth of student talents and that they can be enthusiastic about participating in creative projects.' Susan was sincere in her thinking about the book as a collaboration, and how involvement could be beneficial to an interested student."

Although her primary focus is on graphic design and coding, the chance to illustrate "Kiki's Dream" intrigued Mathis. After meeting Coryell and learning about the heartfelt story behind the book, Mathis felt inspired to bring it to life through her illustrations.

Mathis recalls spending her childhood free time sculpting and drawing, always finding beauty in nature and the art around her. This early interest blossomed into a deeper love for graphic design and illustration during her college years at Clemson University. She aimed to merge her aesthetic sensibilities with functional design.

Reflecting on her experience at Clemson, Mathis said, "As I got to college, my passion extended to graphics and illustration, and I wanted to be able to create art that was both creative and practical."

This interview with Hannah Mathis has been edited for length and clarity.

ClemsonNews: How did you become involved in illustrating this children's book?

Mathis: For "Kiki's Dream," I received an email sent to all Clemson art students about an opportunity to illustrate for local author Susan Coryell. I hadn't considered children's illustration beforehand as my passion lies in graphic design and coding. However, I needed to take advantage of an opportunity to extend my skills and work with someone who shared a passion for creating. After responding and meeting with Susan, the story behind her book inspired me, and I wanted to help her make it a reality.

CN: Where do you draw inspiration for design catered towards children?

Mathis: Catering to children was a fun way to unlock my inner childhood memories and feelings. To illustrate this book, I looked back at previous children's books I enjoyed as a kid, as well as toys and shows, and took inspiration from the bright colors, sketch-like style, and an overall sense of fun. I also added small details that kids could focus on to have plenty to observe and learn about.

CN: How do you hope your illustrations impact the children who read the book?

Mathis: I hope my illustrations inspire kids to follow their dreams and look forward to things in life they haven't experienced before. They encourage creativity and exploration and even create artwork and drawings.

CN: Tell us about your current artwork.

Mathis: I'm open to more illustration projects in the future, whether they be children's books, book covers, or even more in the scientific illustration realm. I focus on branding and app design, but any artistic style can inspire other works. As my connections and relationships grow with different people and artists, my skills will prosper alongside them.

According to Zimany, "All was quiet after the initial message I sent out to our majors. I was surprised and delighted to hear two years later that Susan's book was published, and, according to Susan, many of the positive reviews mentioned Hannah's colorful illustrations. Congratulations to both Susan and Hannah - a serendipitous connection led to a unique and successful professional opportunity."

"Kiki's Dream" is available in Clemson and the surrounding area at several locations: the Bee's Knees, the Little Curiosities Shoppe, the Pendleton Book Shop, Clemson Variety and Frame, and First Chapter Bookstore. It is also available through all online bookstores. The publisher, formerly known as Two Sisters Press and now Golden Bridges Press, donates a portion of their proceeds to Maui wildfire relief.