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Josh Cleland

Website Illustration Explorations

February 9, 2015

I recently gave my website a new coat of paint. Here are some sketches and rejected illustrations. I can be … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Sketches & Doodles

I’ve Been Featured on Astute Graphics’ Blog

January 6, 2015

I’ve been featured on Astute Graphics’ blog this week! Astute Graphics is a UK company that makes amazing plugins for … Read more

Categories General Greetings, News

Christmas Rhinoceros Illustration

December 20, 2014

A personal piece created just for fun this Christmas. It’ll probably go on sale in some fashion next Christmas as … Read more

Categories Cards, Illustrations

Christmas (and Thanksgiving) Stuff for Clients 2014

December 11, 2014

It’s been a busy few weeks here in the studio. Clients gotta have their Christmas stuff, and I like supplying … Read more

Categories General Greetings, Illustrations

New Christmas Cards for 2014

November 16, 2014

Here’s a fancy new Christmas card for all your 2014 Christmas card needs! This Christmas card has it all–carolers, snow, … Read more

Categories Cards, Illustrations

Happy Halloween!

October 31, 2014

Hello folks. Happy Halloween. I hope you all spend the evening in the most sincerest of pumpkin patches.

Categories General Greetings, Illustrations

Adobe Max Wrap-up

October 23, 2014

I was recently invited by Adobe to attend Adobe Max 2014 as an “Adobe Max Insider”. My duties included sharing … Read more

Categories General Greetings, Reviews

Heading to Adobe Max as an Insider for Adobe

October 2, 2014

Next week I will be heading down to Los Angeles to attend Adobe Max. They asked me to be an … Read more

Categories General Greetings, Illustrations

Random Exploratory Doodles and Sketches

August 12, 2014

I haven’t posted anything in a little while so I thought I’d share a behind-the-scenes screenshot of a story idea … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Sketches & Doodles

Rollerskating Giraffe Prints Now Available

June 28, 2014

If you ever sat in your living room and thought to yourself, “You know what would complete the decor of … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Sketches & Doodles

Eau de Toilet Progress

June 27, 2014

A work-in-progress piece I’m working on. Some dogs enjoy a little bit more sophistication and class than other dogs.

Categories Illustrations, Sketches & Doodles

Dev On Wheels Website Header Illustration

June 21, 2014

I recently wrapped up a project for a very fun client in Germany. The task was to create a fun, … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Sketches & Doodles

Poster Illustration for Tower International in Budapest

May 10, 2014

A couple weeks ago I wrapped up the largest, most detailed and challenging piece of illustration of my career. The … Read more

Categories Illustrations

Roller Skating Giraffe Sketch

March 1, 2014

I finally carved out some time between client work and House of Cards binging to draw this guy. I’ll probably … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Sketches & Doodles

Money Quest Game Board Illustration

January 18, 2014

About a year ago I illustrated this game board for Unitus Community Credit Union. Money Quest was a 6-week financial … Read more

Categories Illustrations

Going Through Old Sketchbooks

January 17, 2014

I’m beginning several exciting projects this week. One of the things I like to do at the beginning of projects … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Sketches & Doodles

New Year, New(ish) Website

January 1, 2014

In honor of the new year I have given my website and visual identity a fresh coat of paint. The … Read more

Categories Illustrations, News

Wacom Licenses “Underwater Home of Tomorrow” Art

December 20, 2013

I found out today that Wacom decided to license my Underwater Home of Tomorrow art. Yeehaw!! The art is part … Read more

Categories Illustrations, News

New Apes Header for Stuff and Nonsense

December 20, 2013

I forgot to share this a month ago! Recently I had the pleasure of working with Andy Clarke once again … Read more

Categories Illustrations, Sketches & Doodles

Humongous Christmas Bears Holiday Window Sign

December 12, 2013

If you find yourself downtown Portland the next few weeks drop by Unitus Plaza (1300 SW 6th Ave) to see … Read more

Categories Illustrations
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joshcleland

2,012 53,951

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

joshcleland

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Jun 9

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Day 9 of #JuneCharacterADay : Tortoise playing the accordion. I’m definitely coloring this one up when I get the chance. 

#kidlitartist #kidlitart #characterdesign
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Jun 9

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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.
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Jun 8

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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
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Jun 7

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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
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Jun 6

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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
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Jun 5

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Day 5 of #JuneCharacterADay : Hippo mowing the lawn (or trying to). 

#kidlitart #kidlitartist #characterdesign
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Jun 4

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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
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joshcleland

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Jun 3

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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!
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joshcleland

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Jun 2

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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!
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joshcleland

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Jun 1

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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.
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joshcleland

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Jun 1

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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!
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joshcleland

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May 31

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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!
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joshcleland

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May 28

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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.
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joshcleland

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May 26

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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.
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joshcleland

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May 18

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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
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joshcleland

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May 16

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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!
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May 7

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Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I decided to participate this month. I’m a children’s book illustrator/educator currently rep’d by @advocateart01 .
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Apr 1

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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
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Mar 31

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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 😀).
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joshcleland

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Mar 23

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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
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