Photograph of illustrator, Sarah Doan, standing in front of art supply store smiling

HOWDY
Sarah is a Vietnamese-American author, illustrator of children's books. Her art is inspired by awkward encounters, childhood memories, food, and the celebration of cultures. She lives in Austin with her partner who inspires many of the smiley faces that appear throughout her work. (⑅˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈ )
Sarah is interested in projects related to:
▸ Fantasy & adventure narratives
▸ Goofy/playful humor
▸ Multiculturalism

Photograph of illustrator, Sarah Doan, standing in front of art supply store smiling

CONTACT
▸ Rep'd by James McGowan at Bookends Literary Agency

▸ Email me [email protected]


CRAFT WORKSHOPS
Sarah hosts creative workshops in Austin where people can connect and create: sarahtdoan.com/classes

BOOKS
2025  Milo and the Midnight Meteorite - book design
2024  Nari's New Friend - illustration
2024  Thinking Outside the Coop - book design
2023  Gracie Goes Golfing - illustration

AWARDS
2024  SCBWI Texas Portfolio Honorable Mention
2024  SCBWI Texas Carmen Oliver On-the-Verge
2023  SCBWI Austin Creators of Diverse Worlds
2023  SCBWI Austin Emerging Voice Illustrator Mentorship

EXHIBITS

2026  Feb (upcoming) Cute Nail Studio, Austin, TX
2025  Nov, Austin Studio Tour: Crafternoon ATX, Austin, TX
2025  Sep, Bouldin Creek Cafe, Austin, TX
2025  Apr-Jun, Rooted: Central Texan Artists in the Asian Diaspora,
          Asian American Resource Center, Austin, TX
2025  May, Whimsical Worlds, Twin Oaks Library, Austin, TX
2024  Kintsugi, Studio Kura, Itoshima, Japan
2024  Storytelling, BookPeople, Austin, TX
2024  Have You Eaten Yet?, Twin Oaks Library, Austin, TX

RESOURCES
Learn Procreate from me

Woodland creatures Children Illustrated borders Cozy fantasy Mythical creatures → Gnomes → Goblins → Elves Lush Forests → Trees → Mushrooms → Woodgrain → Ponds → Lily of the valley → Autumn leaves → Logs Weapons → Swords → Shields → Archery Adventurers Me

UPCOMING EVENTS

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP - OTGW

Celebrate fall with a hands-on watercolor workshop! Over the Garden Wall painting. Template provided & beginner friendly. That’s rock fact! 🍂📅 Mon, Nov 17, 2025
      7pm - 9pm
📍 Hold Out Brewing
      1208 West 4th Street

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP - Over the Garden Wall

Celebrate the holidays with a hands-on watercolor workshop! Over the Garden Wall painting. Template provided & beginner friendly. That’s rock fact! 🍂📅 Tue, Dec 9, 2025
      7pm - 9pm
📍 Stargazer Bar
      979 Springdale Rd Ste. 130

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP - Over the Garden Wall

I'll be traveling to NYC for this event, hosted with Mojo Studio!
Celebrate the holidays with a hands-on watercolor workshop! Over the Garden Wall painting. Template provided & beginner friendly. That’s rock fact! 🍂📅 Fri, Dec 19, 2025
      7pm - 9pm
📍 Mojo Studio
      117 Grattan St #404, Brooklyn, NY

BOOKINGS / CONTACT

Contact me at [email protected]I teach 1:1 & group art classes

PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS

Nov 2025 Dungeons & Dragons: Miniature Forge
Nov 2025 Dungeons & Dragons: Character Design
Nov 2025 Clay Mooncake Trinket Boxes
Nov 2025 Suncatchers for Roots & Wings Festival
Oct 2025 Creepy Crawly Halloween
Oct 2025 BOOkmark & Bag Charms
Sep 2025 Watercolor Workshop: Over the Garden Wall
Sep 2025 Bookmarks & Bag Charms
Aug 2025 The "Charmed" Crafty Adult
Aug 2025 Dungeons & Dragons Character Design
May 2025 Community Zine-Making
May 2025 Exploring Culture Through Food: Art Workshop
Feb 2024 Procreate Demystified

Sarah Sip

Click on DATE to RSVP (optional)
Walk-ins Welcome!


FRI, MAY 9 @ 2-4pm
Twin Oaks Branch, Crafty Adult, 18+SAT, MAY 10 @ 1-3pm
Twin Oaks Branch, All AgesTUE, MAY 20 @ 6-7:30pm
Southeast Branch, Crafty Adult, 18+WED, MAY 21 @ 4-6pm
University Hills Branch, All Ages

Workshop Info

ABOUT 🍙Exploring Culture Through Food ArtLet’s explore and share what food means to us! Learn how to draw adorable food with Austin’s very own illustrator, Sarah Doan. Bring your stories and passion for food! Materials provided.In collaboration with Austin Public Library, this workshop has multiple dates. Attend whichever one fits your schedule!

CONTACTQuestions: [email protected]Austin Public Library: Ask UsLibrary Branches: Twin Oaks | Southeast | University Hills

REGISTRATIONIf you're not able to attend the event, we ask that you cancel your registration so that others may sign up (ˊᗜˋ)/*Eventbrite: How to Cancel
OR Email me: [email protected]*Disclaimer: If you don't show in the first 10 minutes, it'll be first come first serve

FAQAccessibility
For accommodations call 512-974-7400 or email [email protected]Language
For help with translations, email [email protected] and we'll do our best to accommodate.


ABOUT SARAHI'm an art instructor and I love helping others express their individual creativity!When I'm not teaching, I'm writing and illustrating children's books. My art is inspired by awkward encounters, childhood memories, food, and the celebration of cultures.Portfolio: sarahtdoan.com

Procreate workshop by me ↑

Resources

Helpful links I compiled


YOUTUBEHow to Draw a Cartoon Face: Genevieve's Design Studio
     Follow along tutorial, great tips + techniquesProcreate Beginner's Series
     Beginner guide playlistFormat files for Print for Children's Books: Genevieve's Design StudioProcreate 20 Top Tips
     Tip: "Pressure Curve" educes the amount of pen pressure you need to applyProcreate for Kids: Lisa Bardot
     For someone new to digital art

FAQHow do you setup your file for picture books?
     300 DPI. Generic CMYK
     This video is helpful for figuring out margins & bleeds (13:48 for calculations)Where can I download FREE brushes & paper textures?
     Gumroad - Drawing & Painting > popular tags: procreate brushes >Max price : 0.
     OR Search Bar + filter Max price: 0
     ProcreateFolio - Search Bar
     (e.g. "Free ink brush" or "Free watercolor paper texture")I have a shaky hand. Can I still use Procreate?
     Yes! Motion Filtering, designed for hand tremors/accessibility,
     stabilizes brush strokesDo you have a storyboard template?
     Yes, download here.


DOMESITKAForest Fantasy Illustration: Natalie Andrewson
     I used Procreate only. Learned techniques and character development.Creating Characters for Children's Stories: Jimena S. Sarquiz
     Solid foundation for Procreate, picture book illustrations, and storytellingChildren’s Publications: Editorial Design and Illustration: Jimena S. Sarquiz
     I learned how to use gradient maps and valuesOnline Portfolio for Children's Book Illustrator: Marissa Valdez
     Last part is in Procreate. She's great at explaining for beginners

MISCBlending Mode GuideColor Palette CinemaImport brushesRealistic watercolor brushesSwatches of all default brushesSave PDFs


CONTACT
Reach out if you have any questions
[email protected]