"Do not draw on your schoolwork."

A fifth-grade teacher left this note on a science assignment that Barb covered with illustrations of horses. Depending on your point of view it has all been downhill or uphill since then.

At age six Barb decided that she wanted to be a book illustrator or movie animator. Now, some decades later (never mind how many), she is finally realizing one of her dreams with the publication of the TALISMEN series.

Barb has been a freelance illustrator and professional artist for nearly twenty years. Her work has appeared in local and regional publications for clients such as AegonUSA, ABC affiliate KCRG-TV, and Alliant Energy. Her illustrations have appeared in play posters for Theatre Cedar Rapids, and her logo and collateral illustrations have garnered numerous AdFed awards and local recognition.

In 2003 Barb drew the cover and interior illustrations for the fantasy anthology FANTASY READERS WANTED, edited by Nick Aires and James Richey. Most recently Barb¹s TALISMEN illustrations have been seen and enjoyed worldwide on the fantasy and comics websites Elfwood, Gateway Monthly, Epilogue, and Drunk Duck.

Barb is the mother of two busy children and owner of a feral Min Pin, known as The Laser Doodle. When she is not rooting for her children at soccer and baseball games, she might be playing her guitar but probably is drawing. Or cooking up TALISMEN ideas...

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