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About:

Madison Safer is an illustrator who is happiest in a forest full of mushrooms. Her work is often centered around themes of nostalgia, home, and the quiet woods of New England. She is inspired by Russian folk art, Jewish paper cuttings, quilt patterns, and the warmth of a fire after a very cold day. When she is not napping or drawing, Madison is best found drinking tea, practicing her challah braid, or stealing flowers.

For custom commissions please check pricing here, and then email me at:

madisonsafer@gmail.com

Represented by Lara Perkins at Andrea Brown Literary

For book inquiries, email Lara at:

lara@andreabrownlit.com
 

 

Clients include:

Abrams Books, Storey Publishing, Barefoot Books, Papyrus Greeting Cards, Taproot Magazine, Hudson Valley Seed Company, Sow True Seeds, and many more!

Faqs:

What medium do you use?

I tend to gravitate towards watercolor, acryla gouache, traditional gouache, colored pencils, and crayons. I like to keep a rotation of them to create depth and texture.

Did you study art in school?

I did! Training was immensely helpful for me since I needed structure to really focus on my work, but school is not for everyone and it can be feasible to be a working illustrator and self taught.

What are some tips for getting started as an illustrator?

Make all of the time. Make drawings, make meals, make relationships with people. What interests you will propel your creativity. You are not an art factory. It’s okay to not always be painting, but try to not stop moving your body and your mind when you’re in a place to be creative.

Who are your artistic inspirations?

My favorite artists are Yuri Vasnetsov, Elsa Beskow, Beatrix Potter, Maud Lewis, and Tasha Tudor. I try to inform my work from Eastern European illustrations, wood carvings, paper cuttings, and other forms of collective folk art making.

Can I get your art tattooed?

Sure can! I don’t make custom tattoo requests, and I ask that the image is not changed.

Are you and herbalist and can you help me with ______?

I practice folk herbalism and use it as a tool to work with changes to bring me closer to seasonal living. I am not a practitioner and would recommend consulting a licensed herbalist or clinician with any medical questions.