2023 Senior Exhibition Artists 2023 Senior Exhibition Artists: Heather Vangjeli

Heather Vangjeli self portrait
2023 Senior Exhibition Artists 2023 Senior Exhibition Artists: Heather Vangjeli
Heather Vangjeli

Art + Design: Illustration | Graphic Design Minor

About Heather Vangjeli

Heather Vangjeli is a writer, illustrator, and designer based out of Central Massachusetts. A lifelong learner, she received a BA in Arabic and MS in International Relations before deciding on a career change from the Air Force. It was the best kind of change – to be a children's picture book author and illustrator! To help in her goal, she studied and received a BFA in Illustration with a minor in Graphic Design at UMass Dartmouth. In a world that is full of challenges, her heart's desire is to capture the innocence, joy, and magic of childhood through her picture books.

Statement

Since the moment I decided to change careers, I knew children’s book illustration was the route I wanted to take. So then after I had my daughter, creating a book for her was the most natural thing in the world. When she was around six months old, a lot of people would say “don’t rock her to sleep or she’ll become dependent on it”. However, I loved that time best, when everything was quiet and she was snuggled up with me after a long day. During those times I would spend time reflecting — on the day, how much she’d grown, and I would wonder what she would grow up to be. My book came from that moment, and the joy of being a mother to my precious little girl. My desire was that no matter what happened to me, my daughter would always know how very loved she is.

I am in the process of submitting my book to literary agents and publishers, so I can’t put my work online right now, but keep an eye out for it in the future! Here are some of my other recent works for your enjoyment.

Contact

heathersillustration 
heathersillustration.com
heathersillustration@gmail.com