I’m an illustrator with a whimsical style heavy with fantasy themes. My focus in college was on creating artwork for children’s publication, but my career has led me into the epic fantasy, tabletop gaming, and advertising markets. My work was first published in 2014 as a young adult fantasy novel cover and I’ve since done work for The Coca Cola Company, Flaming Tree Publishing and Art Order. I’m open to all illustrative creative projects and I love expanding my skill sets.
My work consists of mixed media. I especially love a combination of graphite, watercolor and digital painting techniques.
I’m available for commissions. Please inquire through email: samraeduke@gmail.com
I received my BFA with a Concentration in Illustration and Design from East Carolina University in 2013.
Artist CV
Books:
“My Little Plastic Bag” a Children’s book by Sam Love
“The Thief” a YA novel by James Prince
“The Science of Being Bold” a poetry book by Brandi Harrelson
“Spine Chillers” a YA horror anthology series by Nancy Gray
“Chronicles of Kilkenny” a YA novel by Devyn Dawson
“Tiny Dragon Art Project” Dragon art collective books by Art Order LLC
“The Magical History of Mermaids” by Russ Thorne, Flame Tree Publishing 2018
“A Brief History of Artists in Eastern North Carolina” By Ben Watford, Jon Derby and Lisa Bisbee
“Keepers and Destinies” a novel by Frank Martin
Publications:
Tiefling Anthology, 2019
We love you, Spiro! Fan Zine 2019
New Bern Sun Journal, May 9th 2018 Edition
FOLKS Journal, Issue No. 2, May-June 2018 Edition
New Bern Now, Summer 2015 Edition
Rebel 55, Fine Artists Publication, 2013
Misc Projects:
“The Adventuring Artist Tarot” by Die Hard Dice 2021
New Bern Bear Statue Painter for Coca-Cola International 2017
Exhibitions and Events:
2021
– Bank of the Arts Featured Artist for the Month of June,
New Bern NC
2019
– Featured artist at PirateFest 2019, Greenville NC
2018
– MerMay Show at The Red Shoe Galley, New Bern, NC
– Featured artist at PirateFest 2018, Greenville NC
2017
– Mum’s the Word Exhibition at the Bank of the Arts, New Bern, NC
– OFF THE WALL Fundraiser at CAW Center for the arts, New Bern NC
– Featured artist at PirateFest 2017, Greenville NC
2016
– Solo Illustration Exhibition at the Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship of New Bern
– Illustrators’ Show at the New Bern Library
2015
– Private show at MJ’s Raw Bar & Grille
– Greater Good Gallery’s Annual Valentine Show
2013
– Eccentrici-Tea: A Mad Tea Party, senior exhibition of Samantha
Bruggema and Madelyn Johnson
– ECU’s Student Undergrad Show
2012
– Rebel 55 Juried Show, Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge Gallery,
Greenville, NC
– ECU’s Student Undergrad Show
Select author Reviews
“Sam was wonderful to work with. They did a custom illustration and typography for a fantasy novel of mine and did an amazing job. I couldn’t be happier with the final product; it was exactly what my book needed. They were extremely communicative throughout the process and delivered everything from concept to revisions in a timely manner. I highly recommended Sam to others looking for an illustrator.”
~ James Prince, Author of “The Thief”
“My children’s book, “My Little Plastic Bag,” has gone on to win several awards and no doubt, Samrae’s illustrations have made it a success and helped a lot of children learn more about our planet…I can highly recommend Samrae for illustration work.”
~ Sam Love, Author of “My little Plastic Bag”
(full letter available on request)
“Samrae went above and beyond in the work thy did for me. Sam asked me questions about what I wanted and payed attention to the detail and put lots of detail in their work. Sam’s work is a masterpiece. I will be working with them again in the future. I highly recommend them.”
~Brandi Harrelson, Author of “The Science of Being Bold”
Awards and Honors
Bank of the Arts: Featured Artist for the Month of June, New Bern NC 2021
NCAC Artist grant recipient 2020
Silver Medal for Children’s Picture Books in the International Nautilus Book Awards 2017
Finalist for the National Indie Excellence Award 2017
Bronze Medal in the ‘Environmental Issues’ category, of the Moonbeam Awards 2017
PirateFest, 2017
– Best Booth Award 2017
OFF THE WALL Fundraiser at CAW Center for the arts, 2017
– Best in Show in Illustration 2017
Richard Bean Scholarship, Fall 2013
Rebel 55 Juried Show, Fall 2012
– 2nd place in Illustration
– Honorable Mention In illustration
East Carolina University Dean’s List,
– Spring 2013, Spring and Fall 2012, Fall 2011
First place in the Plan It East Logo Design Contest, Fall 2010