Artist Ashley Evans Created the Illustrations for Gabrielle Union's Children's Book "Welcome to the Party"
Ashley Evans has been an illustrator for two years and has already got her first celebrity job, and she didn’t even know it at first. Before the celebrity job, Evans was contacted by Bright Agency US because they loved her Instagram illustrations. Evans eventually signed to the agency and was then given her first assignment.
Evans had to draw up some samples for a children’s book, but she didn’t know who for. After being waitlisted, Evans was contacted for the job.
To her surprise, Evans had created illustration work for actress Gabrielle Union’s children’s book, “Welcome to the Party”. According to Evans, her and Union never even spoke to each other. All communication was done between their agencies.
Welcome to the Party is inspired by the arrival of Union’s daughter Kaavia James Union Wade. Since Evans has a daughter of her own, the first couple of the sketches reflected the look of Evans’ daughter, but eventually they were changed to look more like Kaavia.
“Black characters were very few and far between. It feels good to create that,” Evans said about working on the children’s book.
Illustrations by Ashley Evans.
Even though Evans is grateful for the opportunity to work with Union, that’s not her main clientele she’s reaching for.
“I just like being able to tell stories,” Evans said. “I’d rather tell stories of regular people because celebrities have more access to get their stories told.”
As of right now, Evans is a part-time illustrator but hopes to be full-time in the future.
Ashley Evans. (Picture by Ashley Evans)
Evans has been drawing her whole life and it started with the help of her mother. By the age of five, Evans’ mother told Evans that she was already a better artist than herself. One of the first things Evans learned how to draw was a woman.
“I grew up in a very creative household. It gave me the courage to pursue art,” she said.
It was actually children’s books that got Evans interested in illustration work. Eventually, Evans would like to not only illustrate a children’s book but to also write one as well.
No matter how the days go, Evans wants to find a way to carve out time to create art, whether it’s personal or commissioned.
But, when it comes to Welcome to the Party, Evans hopes to bring smiles to those who read it, especially children.
“[I hope] that they can feel all the happiness and love I felt when making it,” said Evans.
To purchase Welcome to the Party, click here.