dawn munson

I grew up in Metro Detroit and was raised by Jim, a very funny accountant, and Fran a piano teacher. To their surprise they were blessed with two sets of twin girls two years apart. The oldest which is me, older by five minutes. First one out I like to say.

Even though I wasn't crazy about math, I followed my Dads lead and worked in accounting departments right out of high school not really questioning my direction. I wasn't like many people my age who thought about their future, I was more of a one day at a time kind of girl. Eventually though, through life's ups and downs, I was lead to a life of jokes (not crime, ha!), again influenced by my Dad, first with cartoons, then greeting cards. I finally found something I really loved to do, that reflected the real me.

I first started in greeting cards winning a greeting card contest for the Michigan Humane Society. Seeing my first work published, especially in a time where there was no internet, or computer printers, was a real thrill. From there I used a book called The Artist Market, and sent my work out by snail mail, since that was the only mail there was, to companies who were looking for artists. I did a cartoon for Cats Magazine showing a line of cats all dressed up, going to see a play called PEOPLE. Eventually though, focusing on greeting cards which is not just drawing, it's also writing, sort of like being a stand up comic, except I was sitting down. It has a one two punch, with the set up of the joke on the outside and the punch-line of the joke on the inside. It gave me an outlet for my perpetual junior high humor (thank you Dad). Ha! From there I began to pick up work until I was lucky enough to land a contract with Recycled Paper Greetings who kept me busy for many years. I finally found what I really loved to do. I ended up working for Recycled Paper Greetings, creating greeting cards for twenty five years. But now as the greeting card industry has slowed considerably, I have authored a book or two. The first books are picture books with the latest a novel for early readers about the Tooth Fairy, called Tooth Fairy City.

I believe we are all creative. Whatever we choose to do with our lives is creative. And we are born with gifts and talents that we are given by God to make an impression on this big earth we are living on. Some have talents that are obvious early on, while other have talents just below the surface. Some talents come so easy that it seems that anyone can do it, until one day you realize that no, not everyone can do it, and this is your gift. And you find out that there are people out there who actually need your talent.

So never give up on yourself, there is something special about you so keep believing!