The soft, cream-colored pages emitted a gentle, slightly fragrant whoosh as she clapped her book shut. She let out a satisfied sigh as she looked up and leaned back, not really seeing the room, her vision instead full of the sights and sounds of the world she just left behind. The story gave her great pleasure and deep satisfaction...and yet, her chest tightened and her heart ached. It was that familiar, unique sense of longing and loss that every good book imparts upon its readers. Despite the unquenchable, frustrating nature of the feeling, she loved it, and it wouldn't be long before she sought out another adventure in another world through another book.
My name is Denise みか Hutchins and I was, and still am, that girl. I love reading, especially those wonderful, moving stories that stick with you forever. The fantastic works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Patricia C. Wrede, J.K. Rowling, James Gurney, and many others, not only shaped me, but influenced the trajectory of my entire life. Just as they touched my heart, gave me hope, and took me on incredible adventures, I too am a storyteller in my own right, creating worlds that inspire my audience and will live on in their hearts for generations to come.
Using various combinations of mixed media—including watercolor, ink, marker, colored pencil, Adobe Photoshop, and Clip Studio Paint—I create illustrations that emanate joy and cultivate inspiration. I am chiefly inspired by British fantasy and Japanese pop-culture and, in all my work, I aim to gently change the world through kindness and compassion. I received a BFA in Illustration with a minor in Japanese Studies from Boise State University in December of 2021. My current projects include a bilingual picturebook teaching animal onomatopoeia and an illustrated fantasy novel set in a world ruled by gryphons.
Aside from being a professional storyteller, I'm also a complete otaku-geek, consuming all manner of media, including books, manga, anime, movies, and video games. I love to stay physically active, as well; my favorite activities include walking, running, and fitness video games. I'm a staunch supporter of veganism, animal rights, environmental protection, and other causes for Mother Nature. I live in Boise, Idaho, USA, with my husband and our adorable pets ❤
I am currently unagented and open to offers of representation by reputable entities. Please contact me with your proposal. Thank you!
