About Me

Hi there!

 I’m Sarah Neville and I am a children’s book illustrator from Winnipeg, Canada. 

Like most artists, I've been drawing before I can even remember. It's always been my passion and don't go a day without drawing. There's a family lore that is retold again and again in my family. When I was 3 I was drawing, as per usual, and my mom came over to see what I was drawing. To her it looked like a bunch of circles. When she asked me what I was drawing, I said it was a clown. She said, "It doesn't look like a clown", and I told her to wait. And eventually when it was done, it did look like a clown (for a 3 year old). This story always comes back to me, as most of the time when I'm drawing or painting, things aren't always planned out or may not look like their supposed to, but that's part of the process, isn't it?

I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours from the University of Manitoba, majoring in painting.  Since graduating in 2012, I have been working as a freelance illustrator. This includes creating custom artwork for customers, working with local companies to create custom illustrations and creating my own successful line of greeting cards, along with other products with my illustrations.

During this time I have illustrated 3 books with a Winnipeg based publishing company. These 3 books have received nominations for my illustrations and one of the books received an award of McNally Robinson Books for Young People Award. Creating children’s book illustrations is my passion. It's all I want to do.

I am really wanting to expand my reach and visibility in the illustration field. I am continuously learning, experimenting and growing.

My illustrations are created with watercolour paints, pencil crayons and ink, along with lots of other mix media. I do have training in creating digital art as well, but I love creating on paper most. My favourite subjects to illustrate are animals, but I really do love drawing everything! 

Current favourite animals are: Hammerhead Sharks, Dogs, Beetles and Moths, Whales and Crows.

I am currently an active member of SCBWI - Canada West.  

Books I have Illustrated:
"Fur is Only Fur Deep", Written By Julia Schettler, Published By Peasantry Press,
(2012)

"The Wolseley Block Party", Written by Jennifer Berthelette, Self Published (2019)

"For As Long As Zebras Are Striped", Written by Julia Schettler, Published by Peasantry Press, (2022)

"Mouse is Messy", Written by Alyssa Thiessen, Published by Peasantry Press, (2024)


I live in Winnipeg with my husband, two children and dog, Max.

I am currently seeking representation.

Keep me in mind for your next project!
-Sarah

sarah@sarahneville.ca