The Nogs in My Pillow
Scope of work:
illustration - character design - book layout - print design - book cover design
VIBE: Whimsical / Playful / Magical / Charming / Colourful
The Nogs in My Pillow is one of those projects that will always have a special place in my heart. My client wanted to create a deeply personal gift for her first grandchild’s baby shower: a bespoke storybook that would be read, loved, and kept as a family treasure.
She had the most wonderful idea — to bring new life to a story her son had written as a child. She updated his childhood tale and added a few original short stories and poems of her own, weaving them all together into a unique collection for the baby.
I was commissioned to illustrate the book, and fell completely in love with the project. We started with a plan for a few illustrations… but I got so carried away by the characters and the stories that I ended up creating far more artwork than originally intended because I was having too much fun! It was the perfect blend of nostalgia, storytelling, and creative freedom.
Project Goals
Create a one-of-a-kind illustrated book as a heartfelt gift for a new grandchild.
Capture the whimsy, humour, and warmth of childhood imagination through engaging illustrations.
Enhance the stories with visuals that add charm and personality to every page.
Deliver print-ready artwork for a professional-quality, keepsake book.
Process and Creative Approach
My client shared her updated stories and poems with me, including The Nogs in My Pillow — the star of the book.
I dove into the words, sketching out ideas as I read. The Nogs themselves were such brilliantly funny little creatures — almost round, with stalky eyes and big grins — and I wanted every illustration to capture their cheeky, energetic spirit.
My style for this book was playful and full of detail, with bright, bold colours and plenty of action happening on the page. I love creating illustrations that feel like they’re bursting with life, drawing the viewer in to spot all the little storytelling moments woven throughout each scene.
As the project unfolded, I kept finding new moments that I felt needed to be illustrated. What started as a handful of planned pieces turned into a much bigger collection of artwork because I couldn’t help myself — the stories were simply too delightful to leave alone. Luckily, my client loved the extra illustrations and embraced the expanded vision.
The Result
The finished book was a gorgeous, professionally printed collection brimming with vibrant characters and scenes that brought the writing to life. It became a unique and meaningful gift for the baby shower — a true keepsake, full of family history and love, ready to be enjoyed for years to come.
For me, this project was pure creative joy. It combined personal storytelling, imagination, and art — everything I adore about illustration work. The Nogs in My Pillow is still one of my favourite pieces in my portfolio, not just for the artwork, but for the heartfelt story behind it.
“I am MORE than pleased with the final outcome. It is nicer than I ever imagined. Your interpretation of the Nogs is spot on. The illustrations are super! You've done yourself (and me proud)!”
LYNN, EXETER
