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

HOWDY
I'm Sarah, a Vietnamese-American author, illustrator. My art is inspired by awkward encounters, childhood memories, food, and the celebration of cultures. I'm also in an amazing kidlit critique group, The Girllustrators! I live in Austin with my partner who inspires many of the smiley faces in my work. (⑅˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈ )I'm interested in projects related to:
▸ Fantasy & adventure narratives
▸ Goofy/playful humor
▸ MulticulturalismI'm teaching free art workshops at Austin Public Library in May, event info

CONTACT
For book related inquiries please contact James McGowan

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

Email me at [email protected]

BOOKS
2025 TBA, book design
2024 Nari's New Friend
2024 Thinking Outside the Coop, book design
2023 Gracie Goes Golfing

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
2025 Upcoming exhibit, Bouldin Creek Cafe, 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!

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

UPCOMING ART CLASSES

I'm Sarah, an art instructor in Austin. I love helping others express their individual creativity.

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

Community Zine-Making Workshop

Make zines & share your ideas. Hands-on exploration of creativity, storytelling, and self-expression through zine-making. Led with Nathan Dinh for Slipper Assembly.
      📅 Sat, May 17, 2025 | 1-3pm - All Ages Register
      📍Austin Central Library

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

Exploring Culture Through Food: Art Workshop

Let’s explore and share what food means to us! Learn how to draw adorable food. Bring your stories and passion for food! Materials provided. Registration not required
      📅 Tue, May 20, 2025 | 6-7:30pm - Crafty Adult (18+) Register
      📍 Southeast Branch Library      📅 Wed, May 21, 2025 | 4-6pm - All Ages Register
      📍 University Hills Branch Library

TBD

Crafty Adult - Details to come!

Finalizing a jewelry craft, will update soon!
      📅 Fri, Aug 8, 2025 | 2-4pm - Crafty Adult (18+)
      📍 Twin Oaks Branch Library

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

Dungeons & Dragons Character design

Kids introduction to D&D. Illustrate characters, pick their stats, traits, and more!
      📅 Sat, Aug 9, 2025 | 1-3pm - Ages 6-12 Details
      📍 Milwood Branch Library

BOOKINGS / CONTACT

Email [email protected]
Updates @lilacdoodz

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]