Back when I first got the offer to do this project, I was surprised that Simon & Schuster wanted me for this project because I asked for a deadline extension on my first-ever children’s book “The Only Woman in the Photo” and was convinced my illustration career was over. I had been freelancing for about 3 years and had a number of titles under my belt but this one kind of seemed like a big deal and I was very surprised they trusted me to get the job done in a record 3 months (a VERY short deadline for a 40 page book)

I got to work with the amazing Chloe Figolia again, who was also my art director on the Frances Perkins book, and Kendra Levin, Editorial Director. I’m convinced I coulnd’t have done this without their incredible professionalism and cheerleading abilities. in the short time, we were working, I felt like I was part of an elite team that could conquer any challenge. It was slightly stressful but their kindness and hard work made this unreal deadline pretty darn fun. When I sent the last batch of finals, I felt the euphoria of runners high after finishing a marathon. We did it! In record time!

Still being a fresh freelancer, I had to take on LOTS of projects just to make ends meet. I didn’t have much time for socializing and due to the stress from deadlines, I had to be very selective with what I let into my life so as not to add anxiety. One thing that went out the window was the news. I get my updates from my family and friends so if something really big is going on, I’ll find out eventually. But, I don’t seek it out because it puts me in a bad way. When covid started, it was difficult to keep a positive mindset so, I distracted myself with even more work and tried to minimize depressing distractions. When I got the offer for the Dr.Fauci book, I’m embarrassed to say, I had to ask my Fiancé Alex who he was. Alex was speechless and I remember asking if Fauci was a good guy. I wasn’t about to attach my name to a potential “Me too” headline. When Alex enlightened me on the fact that Dr. Fauci was the face of the fight against covid and was the most famous person in the country since the pandemic started, I realized I might have done too good of a job quarantining.

I did a little research to form my own opinion on the matter and as a lover of science with 5 friends who are doctors, I felt like this would be a good story to tell. It was actually really fun to learn about Dr.Fauci through the lens of his history rather than the modern media. No, I didn’t get to meet him in person, but this experience was a wild ride, and coming out the other side, I have a lot of respect for the man.

When I took on this project, it never occurred to me what post-pub date would be like for a book about someone so high profile. Only my close friends and family knew I was working on the book and they were so excited for me. For some reason, when you make art everyone thinks that you’re going to be famous. I’ve never met a famous artist or someone who considers themselves to be famous so call me if you know how to make that happen. But this book is probably the closest I will ever come to a simulation of 5 seconds of fame. I hit send of the finals and waited for the pub-day while nursing my adrenal glands back to the land of the living. I didn’t get too much rest because the weeks leading up to the pub day were full of interviews and press that I was totally unequipped for having spent the last 4 years alone in my studio. I Did some interviews for local news channels across the country and they showed the book on CNN, CBS and Good Morning America. When it came out, it was so strange to see my artwork on the shelves of Target, Barnes and Noble and local bookshops.

Friends sending me pictures from stores all across the country!

I realize all this coverage was due to Fauci being a pretty influential figure during the pandemic but, it was really neat to see my artwork in places I never imagined it would be. Needless to say, not all the attention was good. I got some pretty colorful emails condemning my decision to work on the book. At first, I didn’t really know how to feel. I had always been the person who made colorful, happy illustrations and had never really given anyone a reason to come at me. I had always been too afraid to be too vulnerable or show too much of myself on the internet in order to protect myself. Up until this point, I’ve had a lot to say, but was too afraid to say it. After getting the first few pieces of hate mail, I started to wonder what I was afraid of.

“If everyone loves your work, you’re playing it far too safe”

— David Carson

I have this quote written on a little sticky note on my computer to remind myself to face my fear of being disagreeable and speak my truth. Thats the point of art after all. Ive just always been a sort of shy, non-confrontational person. Doing the Dr. Fauci book gave me the push I needed to finally start using my voice in my artwork. Theres more to me than just pretty pictures and I think it’s high time I started putting myself out there. In the last year, I started to feel unfulfilled, like I was hiding behind other people stories. I hadn’t yet had the confidence to write my own stories, but its become clear that I wasn’t made to hide.

Since Dr.Fauci came out, I left my agency to pursue more independent endeavors like a youtube channel, and have started writing my own graphic novel. Im really excited for what the future holds and have my friends and family to thank for sticking by and supporting me while I chased my dreams. All in all, Illustrating the Fauci biography was a really amazing experience. But, I think the best part, was finally getting to feel like a real professional illustrator and gaining a clear view of the type of artist I want to be. If I can do a book like this in 3 months, learn to laugh at hate mail and continue to put my heart into everything I do, I think I can do anything. Cheers to chasing dreams.