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

Kim, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

“Annyeong, Korea!” is the most meaningful project I’ve worked on because it represents a deeply personal journey that I’ve undertaken as a Korean American adoptee. This isn’t just a story, it’s a reflection of my own experiences growing up, navigating the complexities of identity, and finding a sense of belonging.

As an adoptee, I often felt caught between two worlds, and often felt a great sense of loss for the culture I left behind. But as I grew older, I realized that my unique background was something to embrace rather than hide.

Writing “Annyeong, Korea!” allowed me to explore these themes in a way that could resonate with children who might be experiencing similar feelings. It’s my hope that this book not only helps young readers understand their own identities, but also fosters empathy in those who might not have faced the same challenges.

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

I am an author and illustrator. I was born in and adopted from South Korea, then lived in Japan and various states across the U.S. as an Air Force brat. I am a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I studied children’s book illustration.
I have published three children’s books, “Butterflies for Rory”, “Zach’s Family”, and “Annyeong, Korea!”.
I was voted Suffolk News Herald’s “Best Local Author” for 2021 and 2022.
I am a homeschooling mom, and I have a blended family of 7 kids, that range in age from 24 to 8. I live in Suffolk, VA, with the man of my dreams, and 5 kids at home.
When I’m not writing or creating artwork, I enjoy reading, gardening, taking walks, collecting stickers, going to the beach, and learning new vegan recipes.

Through my brand, Kim Ellis Creates, I offer custom illustrations, artwork for children’s books, and digital content focused on book creation and productivity.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my social media presence by focusing on creating genuine connections with my followers. I made it a priority to share not just my work, but also my journey—the ups and downs, the lessons learned, and the growth along the way. By being open and relatable, I let my audience know that I’m here to encourage them and that we’re all learning together.

My advice to others is to approach social media with authenticity. Don’t be afraid to share your personal experiences and challenges, as this helps build trust and engagement. Show your followers that you’re there to support them, and in turn, they’ll be more likely to support you.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There are definitely resources I wish I’d had earlier in my creative journey. I often think about how helpful social media would have been when I was starting out, especially platforms like Pinterest. Back in college, we were taught to keep a physical book of references, but now, everything you need is just a click away. The wealth of inspiration and information online is incredible.

However, with the rise of social media, there’s also a downside—it can easily become a part-time job in and of itself. I find it necessary to put my phone away to have uninterrupted, solitary time with my artwork. While these tools are invaluable, it’s important to find a balance so you can focus on your creative process without distraction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.KimEllisCreates.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimelliscreates/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kim-Ellis-Creates-636591616786133/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KimEllisCreates

Image Credits

Kim Ellis