Hello! I’m Lauren, an illustrator and author living in Utah. I work with traditional media (pastels & watercolors) and sometimes a dash of digital. I’m greatly inspired by Surrealism, the things I loved as a kid (and still love—plush, dogs, hidden/secret spaces), and my Mini Schnauzer, Kit. I am passionate about creating whimsical picture books that stoke the imagination and a sense of wonder.

I earned my BA in Illustration at Brigham Young University while taking summer classes at the Rhode Island School of Design. I am currently pursuing my MFA in Children’s Literature and Illustration at Hollins University. I am a member of SCBWI and currently seeking representation.

Thanks for visiting!

Contact: lauren.mcpheters@gmail.com

Social: lauren.mcpheters

Awards/Achievements:

SCBWI New York Conference 2025 Student Illustrator Scholarship

SCBWI/HU Scholarship winner in 2024 and 2025

ChLA 2025 Conference Panelist: The Power of Picture Books—Surrealism in Picture Books

PB Rising Stars Program Runner-Up Prize 2025

Beatrix Potter Scholarship Recipient 2023 and 2024

The Margarette Kate’s Award for Visual Art 2023

Tinker Mountain Scholarship Recipient 2022

Francelia Butler Conference Peer Choice Award for Visual Art 2022 and 2024