Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melquea Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Melquea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I’m right in the middle of taking a risk as you’re reading this.

I worked remotely for a national organization that I adored for the past 3 years. Meanwhile, I freelanced and continue to build my illustration business in children’s books.

I started building relationships with other kidlit creators back in 2020: I joined critique groups, took classes and mentorships, and celebrated others’ accomplishments, as I built my children’s book illustration portfolio.

I thought that I would stay at my organization for at least 5 years. But in the beginning of June 2025, I learned that my organization was winding down and we were all being laid off. I started looking for other fundraising jobs, but with every job listing I read, my eyes glazed over.

I looked in a mirror. While touching my rainbow braids and gold facial piercings, I realized the slim possibility to be my authentic self in my new employment. And frankly, fundraising didn’t excite me anymore.

What excited me was:

Being an illustrator and business owner.

Exploring stories with characters that have beautiful differences from skin tones, to hair textures, to body types.

Validating to my readers and their adults that you’re never too much, and the world needs your light.

In late June, after a lot of journaling, I decided that I was going to take a risk. I wasn’t going to look for a job and fully focus on my illustration career.

In July, I read “Reach Out: The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network and Increase Your Influence” by Molly Beck and started sending 1 email to someone in my network Monday through Friday.

Depending on my connection to the person, I shared that I had availability for children’s book illustration projects or book covers, shared my new clip art membership centering Black and brown kids, expressed my desire to collaborate, or asked to be introduced to someone else in their network. That led to a lot of connections. Many people passed my work around to their networks, and though I’ve yet to see direct opportunities, except a huge one.

On July 11th, through my reach outs, I eventually reconnected with a children’s book mentor of mine. After chatting back and forth I was asked if I was looking for an agent. After parting ways with my previous agent a few years ago, I submitted my portfolio around and either got rejections, silence, or didn’t find the right fit. I was open to the opportunity and said “yes!” and was forwarded the agent’s email.
I emailed the agent immediately on July 30th and I waited…

Then on August 5th I got a response back!

August 15th 2025, I entered a coworking space to finish my last day of work. On that same day, I left the coworking space with an offer for representation!

Through building community, making deliberate decisions, and most importantly, taking risks, I made my own opportunities.

I’m glad I did because I finally feel aligned.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey friend, I’m Melquea Smith and I’m a Black, multi-award winning children’s book illustrator who helps publishers and authors honor a diverse array of kids by celebrating their stories through illustration.

I do this in two ways: Through writing and illustrating children’s books, and through my clip art membership Brown Sugar Graphics. THE solution for anyone tired of scouring the web for handmade clip art of Black and brown kids.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Growing up, I struggled a lot with being accepted and loving myself. So now I use my art to heal and connect others while inspiring my audience and readers to embrace their magic, the magic around them, live authentically and joyfully, and to never let the cynicism of the world bring them down.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

“Reach Out: The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network and Increase Your Influence” by Molly Beck
“Book Yourself Solid” by Michael Port

Contact Info:

• Website: http://prettykittypaintings.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettykittypaintings/
• Other: Join Brown Sugar Graphics! a $9/mo membership where you get new clip art celebrating a kid of color every week: http://prettykittypaintings.com/bsg