Hi, I’m Manelle.
My love of drawing and adventurous stories have always been related. I’m grateful for the stories my Mom read to me. I remember reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with her, and may still have Mercer Mayer’s There’s a Nightmare in my Closet Memorized. As I’ve grown, drawing and reading remain two of my favorite pastimes. This is why, out of all the different kinds of artists in the world, I chose to be an illustrator of stories.
My Education
I got an illustration degree from BYU-Idaho in 2004. Afterward, I worked as a graphic designer/layout artist at a company called Studies Weekly. That experience helped me understand how to create print projects and has been valuable in my illustration work. Since then my illustrations have been used for picture books, chapter books, theater posters, magazine articles, and games.
My Process
My primary medium is watercolor, and I’m proficient in Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, and Procreate. I find these digital tools work hand in hand with traditional media. This technology has sped up my art process. Now I can make digital changes to traditional paintings that would have been impossible in the past.
My Life
I live in Salt Lake City with my husband and our two cats, Muggy and Drizzle. I also love cooking and watching too many British murder mysteries and period dramas on Netflix. When I’m not working on client work, I create artwork for my personal story project Tales Fantastic. Find out more about it at talesfantastic.com
I’m currently serving as the SCBWI Utah/South Idaho Region Illustrator Coordinator. Every year my small committee plans a great conference here in Salt Lake City for illustrators. We have a great time planning and bringing it to life. If you’re interested in attending click here for more info.
Books I Dream of Illustrating Include:
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susana Clarke, anything by Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, or Diana Wynne Jones, and The Lockwood and Co. series by Jonathan Stroud.
Experience
Selected Clients
Peachtree Publishers, The Friend Magazine, Familius,
Related Work Experience
SCBWI Utah/Southern Idaho Illustrator Coordinator
Designer at Studies Weekly, Lehi, UT
Art Director at The Empress Theatre, Magna, UT
Art Teacher Westridge Elementary School, Provo, UT
Seamstress at Alinco Costumes, Murray, UT
Seamstress at BYU-Idaho Dance Costume Shop, Rexburg, ID
Education
BFA in Illustration from BYU-Idaho
Recent Publications
In the Rain, In the Wind, In The Snow, In the Garden, In the Woods and At the Beach by Elisabeth Spurr, illustrated by Manelle Oliphant
Just in Time: The Rescue Begins in Delaware, Sweet Secrets in Pensylvania, The Wizard of Menlo Park New Jersey, and A Dangerous Day in Georgia by Carol Lynch Williams and Cheri Pray Earl, illustrated by Manelle Oliphant