Lindsey Leigh
Lindsey Leigh is an illustrator and comic artist originally from Maryland. She has a BFA in illustration from Syracuse University as well as an MA in graphic design from the Maryland Institute College of Art. In between, she also interned at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in the entomology department, diligently illustrating beetles.
Her work is inspired by mythology, folklore, and the natural world. Though her work ranges from the cozy and comforting to the unsettling and spooky, she aims to imbue even the scariest monster with a tender charm. She also has an encyclopedic knowledge of weird animal facts and a passionate love for snails and slugs. She currently lives in Massachusetts.
Who or what inspires you the most, and why?
I am endlessly inspired by the mysteries of our world, from the darkest depths of the sea to the furthest reaches of space.
What do you love to do for fun?
I love to go to art museums, natural history museums, and take long walks in the local cemetery.
Specialties:
Action-adventure, Animals, Black & white, Book Covers, Character design, Coloring, Concept art, Editorial, Fantasy, Graphic novel interior art, Horror, Humor, Illustration, Indie comics, Inking, Middle Grade, Non-fiction, Penciling, Picture books, Sci-fi, Science Communication, Slice-of-life, Spot art, Storyboarding, Writing, Young Adult
Available for School Visits:
Yes! I love to speak with students about the process of creating their own stories and comics.
Art Process:
I typically start the process doing research and gathering reference material. This part of the process really appeals to me because I love to learn everything I can about the subject I’m drawing.
Then, I usually create very rough, small thumbnail drawings (that only I can really read!) to help me figure out the composition.
Once I start the final, I start with a pencil sketch, then inking with a range of tools such as nib pens, technical pens, and brush pens. Once that is completed, I will scan the drawing in, and then clean it up and color it with Photoshop. As a final step, I will overlay scanned ink wash textures that I have made into the final illustration to give it some extra dimension. (Occasionally, I will use a photo I’ve taken of something more unusual, like moss or lichen, to overlay into the illustration!) My favorite step of the process is definitely inking; it’s where I have the most fun.
Location:
Mediums:
Awards and Honors:
Kirkus Best Books of 2023 – The Deep!
Kirkus Starred Review 2023 – Sick!
Blueberry Honor Award 2023 – The Deep!
Kirkus Starred Review 2023 – The Deep!
Booklist Starred Review 2024 – The Dark!
Kirkus Starred Review 2024 – The Dark!
Texas Little Maverick Reading List 2024 – The Deep!
Kirkus Best Book of 2024 (middle grade) – The Dark!
We Are Teachers Best New Books in July 2024 for Kids, Teens, and Teachers – The Dark!
2024 Bookopolis Summer Challenge – The Dark!
Texas Little Maverick Reading List 2025 – The Dark!
Visit Lindsey at:
Published books:
The Deep! (Penguin Workshop, 2023)
Sick! (illustration, Bloomsbury, 2024)
The Dark! (Penguin Workshop, 2024)
The Dirt! (Penguin Workshop, 2025)
Forthcoming books:
Published Books
