Reading lists and articles featuring Christy Hale

Christy Hale Biography

Early Artistic Spark

Christy Hale, from an early age, displayed a keen artistic inclination. Young Christy, aware of the taboo of marking in books, ingeniously expressed her creativity on small pieces of paper, seamlessly integrating her “illustrations” with the written words. At the tender age of ten, she embarked on a dual journey, setting her sights on becoming both a writer and illustrator.

Childhood Adventures with Harriet the Spy

Immersed in the world of literature, Christy, alongside her best friend, brought their favourite books to life through imaginative play. Their beloved character was Harriet the Spy. Clad in disguises, they navigated their neighbourhood, emulating Harriet by meticulously recording observations in secret notebooks. These childhood escapades laid the foundation for Christy’s future creative endeavors.

Diverse Artistic Pursuits

Christy’s artistic exploration extended beyond illustration. Proficient in calligraphy, bookbinding, letterpress, and various printing techniques, she developed a multifaceted skill set in typography, design, and illustration, laying the groundwork for her future success in the creative industry.

Academic Pursuits and Relocation

Earning a B.A. in Fine Arts and a Masters in Teaching from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, Christy initially ventured into the field of art education. However, her childhood dream persisted, leading her to uproot her life and move to Brooklyn, New York. Here, she enrolled at Pratt Institute to further study design and illustration, a pivotal step towards her aspirations.

Educator and Professional Journey

Christy’s trajectory intertwined academia with professional pursuits. Teaching at the New York Center for Book Arts and serving as an adjunct professor in Pratt Institute’s Communication Design department, she concurrently delved into children’s book publishing as a designer and art director. During this prolific period, Christy transitioned into illustration, contributing to over 30 books and even assuming the role of an author for some.

Westward Move and Continued Contributions

After an impactful stint in New York, Christy made her way to Northern California. In this new locale, she further enriched her career by creating and instructing an online course in Writing for Picture Books through the illustration department at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Continuing to wear multiple hats—writer, illustrator, designer, art director, and educator—she extended her influence through programs conducted in museums, schools, and libraries.

Christy Hale’s journey remains a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and lifelong learning, encapsulating the essence of a dedicated artist and educator.