iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Hello! I'm Alison, an author/illustrator looking for a new project. I illustrate digitally (no AI) and love colorful, whimsical scenes. I am currently seeking representation. Happy #KidLitArtPostcard Day! www.alisonsandersillustration.com #kidlit #illustration #monsterunderthebed #spooky

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I wrote a bit about taking a break over the summer & what it's like now that I'm back. Reading about how other artists balance work and life and burnout has been such a huge help to me. I hope this is helpful to someone in the future. buff.ly/wXpeTzB #burnout #break #artistburnout #rebound

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I’m excited to have my work included in The Big Tiny Show at Kolman & Reeb Gallery! You can see a preview of my work and discover the other artists in the show on the gallery’s website. I hope you can join me for the Artist Reception on Saturday, October 3, from 6–8 p.m. buff.ly/q9X7Z5x

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

What a great turnout to the CAC show opening on Friday! It was really lovely to see everyone and see all the fantastic art together. If you didn't make it this weekend the show will be up at the Edina Arts Center until October 30th. The center is open Wed and Friday noon - 4pm.

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Aaaand it's done! Fresh office cleanup ready to start the new (school) year.

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Anyone else rearranging their office now that the kids are back in school? Just me? 😂. Really though, this is just the half-way mark. I’ll post when it’s tidy again. 😬

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I'M BACK BABY! I'm working to get back to my normal schedule after a summer full with kids, camps and projects. I'll be sharing them here over the next few weeks/months including one big one! Here's one of the cat's in my group show opening the 18th. I'd love to see you there!

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

A few thoughts about the summer and the switch that needs to happen with the changing seasons. buff.ly/wIFK4S7 #artlife #illustration #artistburnout

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Come check out the show this weekend! The OAC is trying out a new show format and it looks super fun. There's about 40 artists involved, so a great selection to check out! OAC & ALTR GALLERY 451 NE Taft St. Ste. 22 Minneapolis, MN 55413

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

This guy has been hanging out in my head for a while, so I’m pleased to get him on the page finally, so there’s that at least! Still not sure which background color I like. Thoughts? #cats #illustration #catdrawings

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Now that everything is finally put away from Art-a-Whirl, I took some time to clarify my thoughts on doing Art Fairs in general as a children's book illustrator. buff.ly/n1fncLp #kidlit #illustration #artAWhirl #artFair

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Life has been full lately! But I did carve out some time to play around with some digital gauche brushes I downloaded ages ago. They're pretty fun! Not sure how I'll incorporate them into my main work at the moment, but it's nice to have some play around time. #lemons #procreate #illustration

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Last day of Art-A-Whirl!! I’ll be at #brokenclockbrewing until 5pm. Come on down if you’re around!!

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

I’m prepping for Art-A-Whirl!! So much printing & packaging to do. Last Art-A-Whirl was my first ever time selling. It was equal parts amazing & exhausting. It’s been fun to look back & see what people have responded to over the past year. Come and see my at Broken Clock Brewing May 15–17, 2026!

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

I’ve not been great about posting lately. Life has been full lately. Good, just full. New things coming soon, but in the meantime enjoy this thought of spring from last year. #kidlit #kidlitillustration #illustration #spring #dog

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

It’s almost independent bookstore day!! I had the absolute joy of hitting up several lovely twin cities bookstores with some great author/illustrator pals today. What a fantastic and inspiring day. #kidlit #independentbookstoreday #bookstore #kidlitillustration #twincities #twincitiesart

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

I've been away for Spring Break! It's been a busy time lately, but I just finished up my article series on my InDesign -> Procreate workflow. Read it over and let me know if I missed anything! buff.ly/VrA0tru

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

After a very busy few weeks I finally got Part 2 of my Procreate to InDesign workflow article finished. This will be very boring for everyone but a select few, BUT, for those few I hope it helps 😍 buff.ly/32rOSyy #procreate #inDesign #workflow #kidlit #illustration

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Took some time to re-draw that cat sketch digitally. Working on finding a looser style to play with. I'm overall pretty happy with how this one turned out! Going to print it up on some cards for the 60 on 50th show tomorrow. Come by and say hello! #cat #illustration #cards #twincitiesArtist

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Lately my sketching practice has gone by the way-side and I've been feeling a bit adrift without it. I think it does make a big difference in both my art and my overall mood. No way to get around that but through! So here's a cat from the sketchbook. #cats #cat #sketchbook #sketch #practice

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Last one! Developing this book dummy has been a long process, but I’ve learned so much! And really enjoy bringing all thee to life. #kidlit #kidlitillustration #illustration #twinCitiesArtist #MNArtist #bookart #childrensbookpublishing #learning #illustration

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Another pic ready to go out with my dummy book. This was a fun one. It’s so close to being ready to go on submission!! #illustration #kidlit #dummybook #kidlitillustration #procreate

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

It's almost SPRING!! Yes, I've already ordered plants, yes, I've got a new garden plan! Seriously, the days it his 50 I'm out there in short sleeves and basking in the warmth 😂 #spring #illustration #kidlitIllustration #plants #planting #garden #gardenplan

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

A follow-up to my article on creating picture book dummies, this is more of a technical article on the nuts & bolts of my workflow between InDesign and Procreate. This is a part 1 of 2 (or 3). buff.ly/Qr14HXO #kidlitillustration #procreate #InDesign #workflow

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Got the wonderful opportunity to take a printmaking workshop at the MCBA this last weekend. It’s been a while since I’ve tried printmaking & I’ve never ventured into wood before. I was reminded both how much I love it and how hard it is on my body! #illustration #twinCitiesArtist #printmaking

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Join me at the upcoming 60 on 50th Art Show. 60 on 50th is a well established, wonderful Art Show. I've been going as long as I've lived here in the Twin Cities and I'm so pleased to be joining in on the artist side this spring! Hope to see you there!

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

As I mentioned recently I've been working on a new picture book dummy. I wrote a bit in Substack about what a picture book dummy is and what it should have in it. buff.ly/Oq67NhG #kidlit #kidlitillustration #illustration #bookart #kidlitpublishing #childrensbooks #authorIllustrator

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Had a really great day yesterday drawing at the zoo with some illustration friends. I forgot how hard it is to sketch when your subject keeps moving! A little sample :) #sketchbook #zoo

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

I'm getting into the final stretch of a new book dummy. I have one "final" spread that I can share. It's nice finding the look and feel of a project and really being able to see it all coming together. #kidlit #kidlitillustration #illustration #twinCitiesArtist #MNArtist #bookart

An illustration of a girl floating down a river in a inner tube while friendly gnomes play in the water around her.

A closeup of a girl floating down a river in an inner tube.

A closeup illustration of two gnomes playing in the water

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

I've been trying to make a more conscious practice of incorporating more varied skin tones in my work, so I made a few valentines to go in my Little Free Art Gallery. Happy Valentines Day!! #valentines #fuckIce #ValentinesDay #illustration #twincitiesArtist

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

I'm working to send out a new round of physical (gasp!) postcards to Art Directors. I really enjoy this piece and it's especially versatile given the white space split. Fingers crossed it gets to the right connections! #kidlit #kidlitillustration #illustration #twinCitiesArtist #MNArtist #bookart

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

A reflection on 2025 and thoughts on 2026, because I've decided that I'm going to treat February as my "start of the new year". Calendars are arbitrary anyways.... open.substack.com/pub/alisonsa...

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

I’m fully aware that 10000x more terrible things are happening right now. My phone is buzzing so much is because I’m trying to help where I can. But it also means I’m so on-edge. I’m doing what I can where I can while not sacrificing my sanity since I can’t protest. #iceoutStPaul #iceoutcomics

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Did an interview earlier this week with the amazing Rebecca Novick about how do you keep going and make art when your world is exploding. It was a good conversation and one I keep having with all my artist friends. Both why it’s so hard and why we keep going forward. youtu.be/5NmQ-sJNjSw?...

youtu.be

Midlife Reboot Ep. 4: Talking to Alison Sanders about Making Art in Minneapolis

I interview my friend and amazing children's book illustrator Alison Sanders on life in Minneapolis right now and how to continue making art while your neighbors are under attack. We discuss: -the…

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

I did an interview earlier this week with the wonderful @rebeccanovick.bsky.social talking about how do we keep making art in these insane times. Should we even? It was a great conversation and I came away lighter for it. youtu.be/5NmQ-sJNjSw

youtu.be

Midlife Reboot Ep. 4: Talking to Alison Sanders about Making Art in Minneapolis

YouTube video by Rebecca's Third Act

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

A few closeups of my latest work now up at the St Anthony's branch of the Hennepin Library System. If you're over that way check it out! #kidlit #kidlitillustration #illustration #twinCitiesArtist #MNArtist #bookart #localArt #HennepinLibrary #Artshows #MNArtists #MNArt #twincitiesArtist

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

New post up on my substack. Not the regular fare, but an update of sorts. buff.ly/ARoJE1h

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Some closeups of my latest project. It was so fun being able to really explore and build a world in this project. The whole series is now up in the St Anthony's branch of the Hennepin Library. If you stop by let me know what you think! #kidlit #twinCitiesArtist #MNArtist #hennepinLibrary

A large tree at night with an owl sitting on top. One each branch is a group of tiny people doing an activity, telling stories in a tent, cooking out of a camper, watching stars.

Closeup of people hanging out outside of a camper, one is grilling.

Closeup of campers being told a scary story in a tent.

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Whew.. what a week. I was planning to post all of this last week, but then last week exploded. So here we are. This project has been a mixture of joy and frustration and so much learning. #illustration #newYears2026 #hennepinlibrary #libraryArt #kidlit #galleryshow #twincitiesArt #twincitiesArtist

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Happy Holidays!! I'm so excited to be getting to the end of this series. It's been a while since I got a chance to build a little world like this. Looking forward to seeing them on display at the St Anthony's Branch of the Hennepin Library here in the Twin Cities. #illustration #localArt

A Christmas tree with lights and decorations. There is also a small red house with the label Santa's Workshop on it. There are tiny elves wrapping gifts and a set of reindeer at the bottom left.

A closeup of the main image showing the elves wrapping presents and the reindeer up close. Also there is a red cardinal perched in the tree.

A closeup of the main image showing santa's workshop, a red cardinal and elves wrapping presents.

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

As the year winds down I'm thinking about all that I've done this year and all that I want to do next year. It's taken a long time, but I finally feel like I've got a solid start to the career I've wanted for so long. #networking #kidlit #kidlitillustration #illustration #twinCitiesArtist

A Closeup of a frame on the wall with the word "SOLD" inside. Black letters on white background. Text is superimposed that says "Follow the Chain: Why it's important to build a network with other creatives".

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Come with me to update my little free art gallery! I love this thing & honestly don't update it enough. Today I took out some of my fall stuff and added Xmas items from the neighborhood and from the incredibly talented @cynthiahuffdesign #illustration #localArt #twincitiesArt #galleryArt #LFAG

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

I know it’s Thanksgiving today, but here’s a WIP of my next little foldout book. This one was way easier to plan and paint before it’s folded. #kidlit #kidlitillustration #illustration #twinCitiesArtist #MNArtist #bookart #xmas #santa #santasworkshop #xmas2025 #elves

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Getting close! This is 4/6 in my "Treehouse" series. Can't wait to get the last 2 finished & see them up on the wall! #illustration #localArt #Artshows #MNArtists #MNArt #twincitiesArtist #twincitiesArt #galleryArt

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

This is the final (3/3) in my "what to expect when hiring an illustrator" series. I hope this helps some people who are getting into self publishing for the first time, OR those who are just trying to find some better business practices. #KDP #IngramSpark #selfpublishing #kidlit #selfPublished

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

Part 2/3 of my Substack article talking about what people should expect when they hire a freelance Illustrator. #KDP #IngramSpark #selfpublishing #kidlit #kidlitillustrations #marketingKDP #KDPmarketing #selfPublished

A black mother and child happily sled down a snowy hill. The mother is wearing a green sweater and a pink scarf. The child in front is wearing a red hat and mittens. Superimposed is the text: What to expect when hiring an illustrator (Part 2) - the contract. There is also a link to alisonSandersIllustration substack.

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

Recently I desperately needed something that was just for fun. So I found this old notebook that I've never known what to do with. It was a super fun way to explore new materials and ideas. #kidlit #art #halloween #artplay #halloween2025 #bookart #kidlitillustration

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Alison Sanders Illustration @sanders-illust.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

Happy Halloween!! Enjoy these stills from my most recent silliness. I so enjoyed playing with a (few) new mediums in this! #halloween #haloween2025🎃🕷️⚰️🎃 #costumes #kidlit #illustration #play #artplay

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