Skip to content
  • Portfolio
  • Licensing
    • Full Collections
    • Greeting Cards
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Portfolio
  • Licensing
    • Full Collections
    • Greeting Cards
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog

Josh Cleland

LAND of CLE week 6 Wrap-Up

September 19, 2017February 15, 2016

Another fun week of drawing silly critters is in the books.

Categories Illustrations, Land of Cle, Sketches & Doodles

LAND of CLE week 5 Wrap-Up

September 19, 2017February 9, 2016

Last week was tough. Lots of unexpected crap to deal with. Completing each drawing every day was a challenge, but … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Land of Cle, Sketches & Doodles

LAND of CLE week 4 Wrap-Up

September 19, 2017January 31, 2016

Vikings, elephant astronaut, chefs, sloth, dinosaur, and woolly mammoth–this week nearly had it all! I can’t believe #LANDofCLE is almost … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Land of Cle, Sketches & Doodles

LAND of CLE week 3 Wrap-Up

September 19, 2017January 24, 2016

Another fun week has wrapped up. Not much to say here, other than onwards to week 4!

Categories Illustrations, Land of Cle, Sketches & Doodles

LAND of CLE Week 2 Wrap-Up

September 19, 2017January 17, 2016

It’s been another fun week filled with creativity and growth. This week is seems to be the beginning of “Catbusters”. … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Land of Cle, Sketches & Doodles

Land of Cle Week 1

September 19, 2017January 10, 2016

One week down, 51 to go! This has been an interesting exercise so far. More and more I’m focusing on … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Land of Cle, Sketches & Doodles

Land of Cle: A Character a Day For a Year

September 19, 2017January 4, 2016

Happy New Year! I’m excited to tell you about a fun personal project I’m beginning today. It’s called “LAND of … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Land of Cle, Sketches & Doodles

Christmas Cards Available for Purchase!

September 19, 2017November 21, 2015

Here are new Christmas greeting card additions to my Society 6 shop. Happy Holidays!

Categories Cards, Illustrations

New Christmas Cards for 2015

September 19, 2017November 1, 2015

Now that Halloween is over it’s time to start thinking about the Thanksgiving turkey and beyond, which means CHRISTMAS CARDS. … Read more

Categories Cards, Illustrations

Inktober Weeks 3 and 4

October 31, 2015

It’s been a fun month of experimenting and learning. I’ll miss Inktober 2015, but look forward to next year.

Categories Illustrations, Inktober, Sketches & Doodles

New Website Header for Stuff & Nonsense

October 19, 2015

In today’s modern age of cookie-cutter web design many designers and developers are turning to custom illustration in order to … Read more

Categories Designs, Illustrations, Sketches & Doodles

#inktober Week 2

October 18, 2015

It’s been another fun week of #inktober. My goal in these sketches is to keep them at under 10 minutes … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Inktober, Sketches & Doodles

Placing Orders for the Portland Art Print Soon!

October 16, 2015

Just a quick heads up that I’ll be placing orders for the Portland West Side Art Print soon (click here … Read more

Categories General Greetings, Illustrations

#inktober Week 1 (and a half)

October 11, 2015

This is the first year that I’ve taken Inktober seriously. Maybe I was intimidated or lazy in the past. In … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Inktober, Sketches & Doodles

Joyful Woods Art Print

September 28, 2015

This print is a byproduct of a few other personal illustrations I’ve been working on lately. Sometimes these byproducts create … Read more

Categories Illustrations

PDX Aerial Tram Bears Art Print Teaser

September 16, 2015

Nothing much to say here other than here’s a few teaser crops of my latest art print. Stay tuned for … Read more

Categories Illustrations

Two New Prints Available on Society 6

August 25, 2015

Just a quick heads up that I have two new prints on my Society 6 store. These fine drawings would … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Sketches & Doodles

Portland, Oregon Giclee Art Print Teaser

August 11, 2015

I’ve been hard at work creating a large cartoon art print featuring my favorite city of all time, Portland, Oregon. … Read more

Categories Illustrations, News

Quick Update On What I’ve Been Working On

May 8, 2015

Here is a little behind-the-scenes look at a personal project I’m currently working on. More giraffes, rhinos, and gators. Lately … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Sketches & Doodles

Video Illustrations For Ipsos

March 4, 2015

Here are some illustrations I created late last year for Ipsos.

Categories Illustrations, Sketches & Doodles
Older posts
Newer posts
← Previous Page1 Page2 Page3 Page4 Next →

Find me on Instagram

joshcleland

2,012 53,937

Children’s book illustrator / educator
Rep’d by @advocateart01
Inquiries: Josh@clelandillustration.com
Join my course waiting list 👇👇👇

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Jun 9

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18106671467088239
Day 9 of #JuneCharacterADay : Tortoise playing the accordion. I’m definitely coloring this one up when I get the chance. 

#kidlitartist #kidlitart #characterdesign
183 6

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Jun 9

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18077496962269480
Soon I’ll be re-opening enrollment to my Children’s Book Illustration course bundle. Join the waiting list to get an exclusive discount. Link in bio.
49 0

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Jun 8

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18166969819386878
Day 8 of #JuneCharacterADay . Dino playing hopscotch.

On another note, we’re in our second week of this character a day challenge and it’s been so much fun seeing all of your amazing characters 😊. I can’t even keep up 😃. 

#kidlitart #kidlit #characterdesign
539 28

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Jun 7

Open post by joshcleland with ID 17893381446472918
Day 7 of #junecharacteraday : Whale arguing on the phone. I know it’s difficult, but remember to always be kind whenever possible 😊. 

#kidlitartist #kidlitart #characterdesign
658 9

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Jun 6

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18100992842103707
Day 6 of #JuneCharacterADay : Porcupine drinking hit chocolate. Sorry (not sorry) for the more wintery prompts this week 😊. I guess my mind naturally goes into holiday mode since I usually start working on Christmas stuff this time of year. 🎄

Only enough time for a sketch today. 

#kidlitart #kidlit #kidlitartist #characterdesign
299 7

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Jun 5

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18092596025245304
Day 5 of #JuneCharacterADay : Hippo mowing the lawn (or trying to). 

#kidlitart #kidlitartist #characterdesign
776 17

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Jun 4

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18084352637390455
Day 4 of #junecharacteraday : Elephant skiing. I thought about showing him waterskiing, but who doesn’t like a little holiday vibes in June? Just me? 

#kidlitart #kidlitartist #characterdesign
774 15

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Jun 3

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18321442711256935
Day 3 of #JuneCharacterADay . Wolf playing pickle ball. 

Create a character each day and post on Instagram or Threads using #JuneCharacterADay. Use these prompts or make up your own. Full color, sketches, digital, analog—whatever feels fun and approachable.

No pressure to do all 30 days. All ages and skill levels welcome. Have fun and cheer each other on!
693 12

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Jun 2

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18092221613007566
Day 2 of #JuneCharacterADay . Fox playing video games. This fox is playing Star Fox, because, of course!

Create a character each day and post on Instagram or Threads using #JuneCharacterADay. Use these prompts or make up your own. Full color, sketches, digital, analog—whatever feels fun and approachable.

No pressure to do all 30 days. All ages and skill levels welcome. Have fun and cheer each other on!
1057 20

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Jun 1

Open post by joshcleland with ID 17929673826100294
I’ve been illustrating children’s books for several years now, and it has been a fantastic experience. However, a few years ago I started looking for ways to grow my illustration business and offerings. So, I decided to hire a business coach to help with these endeavors. In March of 2024 I started working with Logan ( @flammable_entrepreneur ) and his team, and the results have been fantastic. We took a hard look at my core business strategies, target markets, goals, mindset, and more.

In fact, because of the coaching I received I finally hit a huge milestone late 2024 and launched my very first course (and have since launched two more)!! This has been something I’ve been wanting to do for a very long time, and it feels so good to have finally accomplished it. I’ve also landed several large projects that have more than covered the investment.

On Thursday, June 4 Logan, Vera ( @vera.drmanovski ), and I will host a workshop where we discuss marketing for book illustrators. RSVP link is in my bio. If you can’t make it, no worries. We’ll send you a recording if you’ve RSVP.
121 1

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Jun 1

Open post by joshcleland with ID 17966152503111366
It’s Day 1 of #JuneCharacterADay ! Today’s prompt is Squirrel gardening. 😊

Create a character each day and post on Instagram or Threads using #JuneCharacterADay. Use these prompts or make up your own. Full color, sketches, digital, analog—whatever feels fun and approachable.

No pressure to do all 30 days. All ages and skill levels welcome. Have fun and cheer each other on!
938 38

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

May 31

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18165867433434716
I can’t believe June starts tomorrow, which means my #JuneCharacterADay challenge begins! Here are this week’s prompts.

Create a character each day and post on Instagram or Threads using #JuneCharacterADay. Use these prompts or make up your own. Full color, sketches, digital, analog—whatever feels fun and approachable.

No pressure to do all 30 days. All ages and skill levels welcome. Have fun and cheer each other on!
1225 24

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

May 28

Open post by joshcleland with ID 17935560726067261
On Thursday, June 4th, 10am PDT / 1pm EDT, I’ll be co-hosting a FREE LIVE workshop with Vera Drmanovski ( @vera.drmanovski ) and business coach for creatives, Logan Elliott ( @Flammable_Entrepreneur )! We’ll be discussing Marketing for Book Illustrators.

Are you considering a career in book illustration, whether it’s children’s books, young adult, or more? Have you been confused about marketing? Are you not sure where to begin? On June 4, we will be discussing those very topics and more. 

We’ll cover:
✔ When a Following Helps (And How to Use It Right)
✔ Why You Don’t Need a Big Following to Get Book Deals
✔ Build a Portfolio Publishers Actually Want
and more!

RSVP link is in my bio (Linktree). If you can’t make it, no worries. We’ll send you a recording if you’ve RSVP.
64 3

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

May 26

Open post by joshcleland with ID 17922524484348564
The first half of 2026 has been BUSY, and I haven’t had much time for personal work. So for June, I’m doing a character-a-day challenge — and I’d love for you to join me!

Create a character each day and post it on Instagram or Threads. Use the prompt graphic, make up your own, or just jump in when you can.

No pressure to do all 30 days. Sketches are welcome. Have fun and cheer each other on!

I’ll be using #JuneCharacterADay.
10872 216

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

May 18

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18077943533547433
Tomorrow, May 19 at 2pm PDT I’ll be hosting another free live webinar on character design. It’s been a while since I hosted one of these, so If you missed it last time now’s your chance. I’ll be showing a fun exercise that you can use to unlock your creativity when creating characters for children’s books and other things. Registration link is in my bio. Hope to see you there!

#kidlitart #characterdesign
202 3

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

May 16

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18126458155609777
Announcement! This Tuesday, May 19 at 2pm PDT I’ll be hosting another free live webinar on character design. It’s been a while since I hosted one of these, so If you missed it last time now’s your chance. I’ll be showing a fun exercise that you can use to unlock your creativity when creating characters for children’s books and other things. Registration link is in my bio. Hope to see you there!
46 0

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

May 7

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18094024493239220
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I decided to participate this month. I’m a children’s book illustrator/educator currently rep’d by @advocateart01 .
680 13

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Apr 1

Open post by joshcleland with ID 17863121307615448
Who’s ready for Easter Egg hunts? Bunny In Disguise is written by @cynthiaplattbooks and published by @clarionbooks / @harperkids . Purchase link in my bio. 

#kidlitart #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #kidlitartist
398 5

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Mar 31

Open post by joshcleland with ID 18097085339092515
Due to recent mold remediation, my studio has been stripped down to nothing but subflooring, a couple desks, and a lonely picture on the wall (and Newman’s dog bed 🐕‍🦺). It’s a blank canvas now. Looking forward to rebuilding over the next few months. Flooring, paint, shelving, updated desk setup and more to come. But in the meantime, still getting work done. Deadlines persist. 

Computer setup—-
@xencelabs 24” tablet, M4 MacBook Pro, Benq 3220u display (not currently in use) and a black water bottle. (And Bombas slippers 😀).
434 4

joshcleland

View Instagram post by joshcleland

Mar 23

Open post by joshcleland with ID 17915500434144904
Hello Spring! 🌺🌿🍃 Working on the cover art for April’s @highlightsforchildren High Five magazine. Always fun working with the people at Highlights.

Gear I’m using:
Tablet: @xencelabs 24” display
M4 MacBook Pro
Monitor: Benq 3220u

#kidlitart #kidlitartist
629 11
Follow on Instagram
Facebook-f X-twitter Instagram Behance Linkedin-in Envelope
  • josh@clelandillustration.com
  • 971-205-2283
  • Represented by Advocate Art

Subscribe to the newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest news, releases, and artwork.

Copyright 2026 © by Josh Cleland or respective clients. All rights reserved.