Art was a thing that helped me communicate in early childhood when I had trouble speaking because of a stutter, and difficulty reading and writing at the normal level of my age group. What I didn't know how to say the way that everyone else said it, I could communicate with a picture that I drew.

As I grew older and more and more drawn to art and creating, two artists in particular stood out to me. One was Ed Emberley. Emberley is a world renowned artist who created dozens of "How to Draw" books for kids (to name only a few of his major life accomplishments.) His art was tremendously appealing to me, and as an adult, his philosophy has stuck with me on a daily basis. Ed believes art is something every child can succeed with. AND, he'll tell you, "he just draws pictures for a living." I succeeded as a child with art, and I just wanted to draw pictures for a living. So that's what I do, just like Ed.

Then, as a teen and young adult, I discovered with delight, that I am a creepy chick! Therefore, I fell dramatically in love with the art of Tim Burton. I love love LOVE his darkly fanciful universes. As I've grown older and learned more and more about him, I've learned of his creative brilliance and artistic genius. He is truly a person who would be quickly driven insane were he not allowed to create. He HAS to get the creatures out of his head. Just. Like. Me. He is drawn to the world of pop surrealist art, which drew me into that beautiful, ornate, slightly sad universe as well.

So, I like to think of my art as the marriage of Ed Emberley and Tim Burton. Creepy, but fun and appealing for children as well as adults. I opened my Etsy shop years back because I "wanted to draw pictures for a living." I didn't have much more of a vision than that. What I've learned, however, is that you need a SLIGHTLY more specific direction than that, so my shop is constantly evolving and now I proceed with purpose. So here's what you can get from moi: Apparel, home decor, art prints and originals, digital art, mixed media art, home decor, accessories, stickers, journals and sketch books, coloring pages, paper dolls, affordable instant download art, digi stamps and clipart, learning aides, and more!

Over on my website, at www.amandadgatton.com , you can subscribe to my newsletter where you'll find out about craft shows where I will appear in person, and you can find a constant flow of free coloring pages and other fun freebies. Also over there, you can find links to where all my published books are sold.

Here you'll find a whimsical world with a sometimes touch of creepiness. Fairy tales, things with wings, magical lands, flowers, suns, moons, and so much more. Welcome to my world, I hope you'll stay a spell!