I began illustrating at the age of 9.  My first projects included my 4^th grade bulletin board and numerous cartoon characters commissioned by my friends for 25¢.  It wasn’t until high school that I realized a person could make a living being an artist, and while attending college (Brigham Young University) I got my first children’s picture book job illustrating Showdown at Slickrock by Pat Bagley.  Since then I have published a variety of work including book covers, children’s games, early chapter books and picture books.  I am thrilled to be making a living doing what I love.

I was born and raised in Provo, Utah.  I lived in the city, but was raised on a farm.  As a child, I spent many summers working and playing on our family ranch, where my dad, brothers and I designed and built a cabin.  Now it’s a place we all go to relax. 

I have always liked building, fixing or creating things.  My current projects range from fixing up my rusty old ’46 Chevy pickup truck to remodeling a studio in my home.  I also enjoy my model trains, flying RC airplanes, camping and rock climbing. 

My wife, Lorien, and our four children, Calvin, Samantha, Madeline and Max, are pretty good art critics and often visit the studio in my home to help me out.