is an illustrator

who completed her M.F.A. in illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia where she was honored with the 2006 Outstanding Achievement Award.

Her book Dogs of the South was selected as one of the top six entries for the Teatrio International Children’s Book Annual and international traveling exhibition. She is the illustrator of the book Mama’s Going to Heaven Soon (Augsburg Fortress 2005) which is now in it’s second printing and has been nominated for several children’s book awards. Elissa's fresh, lively work has been featured on many Hallmark Cards, and in Chesapeake Family Magazine, Word Up Annapolis Magazine, and Names and Numbers publications. Her other freelance projects have included custom invitations and announcements, logo design, and a greetings card and print collection that is currently being marketed across the country. The cover she illustrated for Chesapeake Family Magazine (June 2005) received the Gold award from the Parenting Publications of America for Original Illustration. She has been the featured artist at the Illinois Art Week Art Walk, and has displayed work in group and solo exhibitions.

Elissa loves design, illustration, and hand lettering. She plans to continue creating work that brings smiles and happy thoughts to her viewers throughout the lifetime of many ink pens!