About Me
From a very early age, I knew I was going to be an artist “when I grew up.” In school, I wished I could spend all of my time on art. As I would leave for the bus, my mom would remind me, “One day you’ll get to do what you love.”
And she was right. After high school I got a scholarship to Pratt Institute. I graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
I have worked as a designer and art director in advertising agencies for the last ten years while freelancing on the side. Wanting to spend more time on "my first love," I have turned my attention back to illustrating children’s books. I am a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and have five books published, including First Son and President: A Story about John Quincy Adams (Lerner Publishing Group), Rebel's Keep (P & R Publishing) and King’s Arrow (P & R Publishing). In addition, I have illustrated greeting cards which have been selected by The Smithsonian Institution, National Geographic, and the National Audubon Society, among others.
As you can see on this site, my portfolio also includes fine art prints, greeting cards, portrait commissions, and photography. Please contact me with commissions or questions on any aspect of my studio.
I currently live outside Baltimore, Maryland with my lovely wife and daughter (my muses!).
Best,
Matthew
Clients
AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association)
Black & Decker
Christian Appalachian Project
Clipper City Brewing
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
DAP Inc.
DeWalt
Ducks Unlimited
Learner Publishing
McCormick
Merkle Inc.
National Audubon Society
National Geographic
National MS Society
National Rifle Association
National Wildlife Federation
P&R Publishing
Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library
The Smithsonian Institution
United States Equestrian Federation
United States Golf Association
World Wildlife Fund
Artist's Statement
"I believe beauty and wonder can be found all around us, but is often lost in the static of our busy lives. I want to capture these moments and in doing so, share them with others. God provides both the talent and the inspiration; it is my desire that when others see my work they may be inspired by the perceptible signs of the real Creator."
From a very early age, I knew I was going to be an artist “when I grew up.” In school, I wished I could spend all of my time on art. As I would leave for the bus, my mom would remind me, “One day you’ll get to do what you love.”
And she was right. After high school I got a scholarship to Pratt Institute. I graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
I have worked as a designer and art director in advertising agencies for the last ten years while freelancing on the side. Wanting to spend more time on "my first love," I have turned my attention back to illustrating children’s books. I am a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and have five books published, including First Son and President: A Story about John Quincy Adams (Lerner Publishing Group), Rebel's Keep (P & R Publishing) and King’s Arrow (P & R Publishing). In addition, I have illustrated greeting cards which have been selected by The Smithsonian Institution, National Geographic, and the National Audubon Society, among others.
As you can see on this site, my portfolio also includes fine art prints, greeting cards, portrait commissions, and photography. Please contact me with commissions or questions on any aspect of my studio.
I currently live outside Baltimore, Maryland with my lovely wife and daughter (my muses!).
Best,
Matthew
Clients
AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association)
Black & Decker
Christian Appalachian Project
Clipper City Brewing
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
DAP Inc.
DeWalt
Ducks Unlimited
Learner Publishing
McCormick
Merkle Inc.
National Audubon Society
National Geographic
National MS Society
National Rifle Association
National Wildlife Federation
P&R Publishing
Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library
The Smithsonian Institution
United States Equestrian Federation
United States Golf Association
World Wildlife Fund
Artist's Statement
"I believe beauty and wonder can be found all around us, but is often lost in the static of our busy lives. I want to capture these moments and in doing so, share them with others. God provides both the talent and the inspiration; it is my desire that when others see my work they may be inspired by the perceptible signs of the real Creator."
© Matthew Bird