Julie Olson

I was born in Maryland, the 6th of 9 (that's right, 9) kids. I had 6 brothers who loved to tease and 2 sisters who paved the way with good old mom and dad for us girls. But, I vowed to be different than the bunch. From my dad's nickname for me, Jujubee, to my love of the arts...I tried to stand out (as much as a short girl can do).

In 1994, I left my parents and 3 remaining siblings at home to attend Brigham Young University and to study illustration. In a family filled with doctors, lawyers, electrical engineers, teachers and statisticians...I was the odd man out. But I didn't care and neither did my family. They were brimming with support and encouragement. Even now they are some of my biggest fans (besides my wonderful husband).

In April 1998, I graduated from Brigham Young University with a BFA in Illustration and have been freelancing ever since. I'm enjoying it throughly and am glad to be realizing my dream of becoming a freelance illustrator. But I must admit to you my other passion...my kids. As crazy as it gets with 4 kids running around the studio, the kitchen, the yard, the grocery store (or wherever I happen to be), I love being a mom and love to share my life of art with them.

Now I am writing books as well as illustrating them. I couldn't ask for more. Share my love of books with me...check them out on Amazon.