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Mushrooms - digital art
Slugs on a mushroom - digital illustration

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Star whale illustration

MAYBE A WHALE

a picture book

MAYBE A WHALE, written by Kirsten Pendreigh & illustrated by Crystal Smith, is a lyrical journey of healing through nature as a mother & daughter search for whales. Published by Groundwood Books—in bookstores now!

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Maybe A Whale cover art by Crystal Smith
JLG seal
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digital painting of an aquarium

Illustration Portfolio Reviews
Get upbeat, helpful feedback on your work!

purple moth illustration

ILLUSTRATOR CLASSROOM VISITS!

school visits from an illustrator

Bring the magic of illustration to your school!
Fun, educational programs for all ages —
contact me for more information

pink moth illustration
Mother Aspen title graphic

A Story of How Forests

Cooperate & Communicate

Discover the lives of quaking aspen trees in this lyrical non-fiction book written by Annette LeBox and illustrated by Crystal Smith. Published by Groundwood Books. Coming Fall 2024

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Mother Aspen picture book cover art
Aspen Forest in the snow
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USING COLOR AS STORY.png

USING COLOR AS STORY IN CHILDREN'S BOOKS
 

How is color a game-changer in telling a narrative and creating a memorable  children's story?

Get the full PDF here ($5)

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DRAWING BETWEEN THE LINES IN KIDS BOOKS
 

Can you add things that aren’t in the text to the illustrations of a kids book? Yes! And you should!

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DIRECTING THE READER'S EYE IN ILLUSTRATIONS

How do you make sure your reader is getting the experience and story that you want to tell in your kids book?

Get the full PDF here ($5)

 

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Mother Aspen cover

COVER REVEAL FOR 'MOTHER ASPEN'

It’s time for the cover reveal of ‘Mother Aspen’, the new non-fiction picture book I’ve illustrated, written by Annette LeBox and published by Groundwood Books. This lyrical children’s book teaches about the life and communication of quaking aspens, while also showing us the wonders of the forest....READ MORE HERE

Aspen forest with a bear

MOTHER ASPEN - A KIDS BOOK COMING 2024

Here is a sneak peek at my newest illustration project, “Mother Aspen” — a lyrical non-fiction children’s book by Annette LeBox to be published by Groundwood Books in fall 2024...READ MORE HERE

blue heron for valentines day

A VALENTINE FOR BLUE HERON
 

This blue heron is celebrating Valentine’s with a few friendly fish — Sticklebacks, to be specific! They live in the marshy regions of the shore. He thinks they are fin-tastic, of course, but the fish may not agree...READ MORE HERE

Thank you for coming to Hey Crystal Smith Art!

aquarium illustration with whale shark

Illustration Portfolio Reviews by email
 

Are you an artist or student working on your illustration portfolio? I offer positive, upbeat illustration portfolio reviews with tips on how to improve your art pieces, what your strengths are, and actionable feedback designed to focus your work. I'll give you ideas on how to make your work ideal for the children's book world.

 

No matter what your experience or skill level, good feedback can make a big difference! Seeing your illustration work through someone else's unbiased eyes and getting tips from a professional can carry you through to the next level. 

 

I'm a professional children's book illustrator and have also worked in freelance illustration for many years. I have a BFA in visual arts. I'm excited to see your work and offer helpful, positive insights on your journey!

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