About Me

April Hartmann

Author and Illustrator

Designer and Animator

Speaker and Entrepreneur

The Dream Keepers
(POW Kids Books)
Babies Around the World Eating (Sourcebooks/DuoPress)
My First Book of Emotions
for Toddlers (Rockridge Press)
Buddhism for Kids
(Callisto Media)
Addie and the Magic Jar
(Bowers Enterprises)
Lemons in Pittsburgh
(ZaZa Publishing)
The Alpha Building Crew
(Kindermusik)
Homes A to Z
(Pearson Scott Foresman)
Dive Devotions - vols. 1 and 2
(Faith Alive Christian Resources)
Keeping a Secret (Health Press)
Emily Snitz and Other Stories
(Lilting House Press)
The Cure for the Christmas Crazies
(authored and self-published)

April Hartmann author and illustrator of The Dream Keepers presenting at a local elementary school

As a little girl, I was always drawing, and I dreamed of making books. I earned my BFA in Illustration at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, and I have been illustrating books for more than 20 years. The Dream Keepers is my first book as a published author.

April Hartmann, illustrator of the Kids Day Parrot Poster for the Pittsburgh Pirates

Behind-the-Scenes
Artist Interview

Watch the video

I love to learn new things! I've started doing animation to get my illustrations to move. It's so much fun seeing my characters come to life. My favorite project has been creating the book trailer for "The Dream Keepers."

April Hartmann author and illustrator as an aspiring 9 year old artist

The Dream Keepers children's book by April Hartmann

View
the
Trailer

Video

My illustrations can be found in children's books, magazines, games and toys, and even some children's products like cough medicine. I also illustrated the Parrot mascot for the Pittsburgh Pirates as a special Kid's Day poster promotion.

I love to draw playful characters and imaginary worlds that inspire young minds. My illustration style can be described as textural. I begin with rough sketches and plan out my designs, and then I use real paint, pastel and natural elements for texture, and bring it all together in Photoshop.

My writing inspiration comes from my constant questioning about creativity and purpose. These are the things I wonder about. Where do ideas come from? How can I take a good idea and put it to work? What gets in the way? (Usually it’s me. Or peanut butter.)

I currently live in Pittsburgh, PA and I am a member of the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators and SCBWI. Please feel free to say hello through my contact form or one of my social pages.

I enjoy lots of other creative activities too, like decorating, cooking and gardening. But this might seem weird for an artist - I love numbers. It comes in handy with business analytics, though I'd rather be relaxing with a book of Sudoku puzzles. I’m a cat person and compulsive list-maker. And I never go a day without peanut butter… I am obsessed with that stuff. So it’s a good thing that I also enjoy running, rock climbing, gymnastics, dancing and hiking!

Pittsburgh Pirates
TV commercial

my 30 seconds of fame

In addition to creating stories, I also enjoy visiting schools and libraries to share my work. We discuss the creative process and the importance of storytelling. It's always an honor to see the joy and excitement my stories bring to the students. My mission is to inspire kids to dream big and find their own unique paths.

Another new thing for me has been developing my public speaking skills. Many people would describe me as a quiet person, but I have a lot to say! I'm now a member of the Pittsburgh 144 chapter of Toastmasters International and also have the privilege of serving as their VP of Public Relations.