We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Daviscourt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Wow, big question! I could name a million and half things, but I’m trying to think of what it really boils down to. Creating art makes me happy-I don’t mean the outcome, but the experience of making it. The feeling of my brain speaking through paint and pixels in a way that I and others can interpret is magical. I don’t mean that every piece is a smooth work of genius where violins play and a choir sings, but even the roughest parts of the experience are worth it. That’s why I’ve worked incredibly hard to dedicate the majority of my life to making space for that happiness.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Most of my work is illustrating Children’s books, but I also stream my art creation online, create personal art for my Patreon, and sell that work on my online store. There are so many avenues that art can take you, and I’m extremely happy that I stumbled my way down this winding path. I have always been a creative person, but never really considered art as a profession until my Mom’s hairstylist randomly asked me “why not?” and I had no good answer.

I enrolled in art school in Portland, Oregon and spent four years learning how in love with art I was. It was a tremendous amount of work to become a very mediocre artist, but more importantly I had made friends and found teachers that got me to my first job. I spent five years painting plants and animals for mobile games during the day, and in every free moment I would work on whatever caught my fancy. My illustration style developed pretty rapidly, but it didn’t have a home yet.
I looked for other jobs, residencies, grants–any opportunities that could get me closer to a totally different realm of art: children’s books.

Then, a miracle happened! I was chosen for the Adobe Creative Residency: a year long program with the goal of getting me where I wanted to go. That year was grueling and intense and thrilling-a truly once in a lifetime experience! I worked to make a portfolio and rough outline of a book to show agencies, and was signed within a month. I’ve been building my freelance career one book at a time ever since (you can see which ones on my Website).

Sometimes it feels like you’ve always been you, and maybe you haven’t done much with your time, but looking back at the many eras I’ve been through really shows me the growth of each stage. It was all hard, and all lovely.
I’ve learned that the only thing keeping you from reaching your goal is quitting. There will most definitely be stumbling blocks, and there’s no shame in taking a break to catch your breath, but keep going. Ask for help. Borrow a map. Others have gone through this too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Depending on their mood we’d start with an easy hike on Sauvie Island or a board game, and maybe a cozy movie night- perhaps Kiki’s Delivery Service. Then we’d switch it up with a picnic at the park where we could watch the dogs play; that day might require a Salt n’ Straw ice cream break,or I’d get them some boba.
Beach Day! I would love to take them on a small trip to Peter Iredale Beach, and hit up some antique shops. On Sunday we’d have to stop by the Farmer’s Market for some fresh produce, a ceramic mug, and I’m definitely getting my face painted. Of course, there would need to be at least one day reserved for deep talk about life and home made pizza.
Now I’m dying for this week! Who wants to visit?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?So many people!! My Mom, who has always had EVERY art supply on hand my entire life, and my Dad, who “let me” watch him paint the model airplane we built when I was 9 (I’ll never let that go!).

My college art school professors, Za Vue and David Hohn, taught me the fundamentals and how to “feel it.” Lee White,  my teacher and mentor, who throughout college and after continues to demonstrate what a professional Illustrator looks like.
Julia Tian, who encouraged me through the most demanding time of my life during the Adobe Residency. My family, and partner James who are a never-ending fount of inspiration and pure joy. Finally, my best friends Anthony and Corinne, who have been my biggest cheerleaders throughout every bit of my journey.
Thank you all!

Website: https://www.annadaviscourt.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annadaviscourt

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnnaDaviscourt1

Other: https://bsky.app/profile/annadaviscourt.bsky.social

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