Hello!

Denise Holmes is an award-winning freelance illustrator. She creates illustrations for children’s books and teaches part-time at Columbia College Chicago.

She loves to create playful and bright illustrations, drawing inspiration from her own childhood, the magic of everyday life and her particular love of drawing cute characters.

Denise lives in the heart of Chicago, IL with her husband, daughter and their charming canine companion, Mochi.

Proudly represented by The Bright Agency.

AWARDS

  • 2019 grand prize winner at the SCBWI Marvelous Midwest Conference art showcase

  • 2023 Faculty of the Year in the Illustration Department at Columbia College Chicago

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CLIENTS

Priddy Books, Odd Dot, Simon & Schuster, Macmillian, Crate & Kids, Little Grasshopper, Roost Books, Owlkids Books, Yo-Yo Books, Cottage Door Press, Bravery and Highlights Magazine

GET IN TOUCH

If you would like to reach out regarding a project or just to say hello, you can email me at denise@niseemade.com

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Look what arrived at my doorsteps! Showing my face to share my latest and first soft baby board book! Scroll to hear the satisfying sounds the crinkly pages make! What a joy to illustrate ‘Sleepy Baby’ - published by @priddybooks Av
One of my many childhood pets was a cockatiel named Barfy. He used to tweet 'hi Barfy, hi Barfy' whenever we were on the phone, it was so cute! He lived for about 10 years and then had an awful demise, which I don't like to think about. We miss you,
💕 Save the date! I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be a guest on SUPER STORY TIME, reading 'Mermaid For Each Other' alongside my dear friend @superjanesmith, live on VALENTINE'S DAY at 12 PM CST. Mark your calendars for this special event! #always
Another day, another kitty cat on the grid! Meet Hank. . . . #sketchbook #draweveryday #75artwithgenna #catlife #cat