Illustrator Spotlight: Hollie Michaels

 

© Hollie Michaels

Oct. 2, 2026

It's the beginning of the month and we are pleased to focus our Illustrator Spotlight on Hollie Michaels and her amazing art. Welcome! Enter to win a copy of Let's Go! A Kids Comics Studio Anthology in the widget below.

cover art by 

Tell us about yourself and how you came to illustrate for children.

© Hollie Michaels

Thank you for selecting my banner for this month. You know, it was a twisty path to illustration. I was one of those kids who always doodled on everything! It helped me focus and gave me something to do with my hands. Honestly, I never stopped. As life went on, I made theater, films and books!  Learning to tell stories in all those different mediums slowly seeped into my illustration work.

© Hollie Michaels

Congrats on your banner design for Kidlit411! Tell us about how you approached this project.

I love underwater characters and setting. I wanted an excuse to draw something in that world. The idea of the seaweed spelling out Kidlit 411 came to me. That helped me figure out the rest of it.

Congrats on your contribution to Let's Go! A Kids Comics Studio Anthology. Tell us about it. 

A Kids Comics Studio Anthology was created by a group of artists and writers who love making comics for kids, Let’s Go is a joyful celebration of imagination, friendship, and finding your voice. You can find my short comic WIMBLY, about a lonely haunt inside.

© Hollie Michaels

What projects are you working on now?

© Hollie Michaels

It’s funny, since I submitted this art – I actually became a Literary Agent at  Martin-Newens and now represent some amazing creators. As an author, I have two middle grades currently under contract.

Congratulations! What is your preferred illustration medium and style? 

© Hollie Michaels

I sketch out my art on paper first but always turn it digital. I love making short comics.

What is something most people don't know about you?

I was born on Friday the 13th. I consider it lucky day, not a cursed one.

© Hollie Michaels

Where can people find you online?

www.holliemichaels.com or socials at @HBmichaels Instagram / Bluesky 

© Hollie Michaels

Hollie Michaels is a Literary Manager, Author, Illustrator, Playwright. She grew up in South Florida, but now calls New England her home. Hollie is the author of the chapter book series, Golda and Ezra, published by Capstone, as well as an early middle grade, The Bad News Bestie. Her youth play, Children of Hooverville is published and widely performed by middle schools around the country. Her short comic Wimbly can be found in Kids Comics Unite anthology, Let’s Go! Hollies own stories are filled with heart, wonder and everyday magic. 

     

 

 

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