Hi! I'm Holly and I'm a children's book author and illustrator, and it brings me so much joy to be able to bring my stories to life through my illustrations. I've been lucky enough to work on some amazing projects, including #1 New York Times Bestselling books Dear Girl and Dear Boy, and I've illustrated over 30 books in total.
On my channel, you can expect to find all sorts of things related to illustration, from book readings that will transport you to new worlds, to drawing tutorials that will help unleash your inner artist. I also love to share time-lapses of my illustrations & behind-the-scenes look at my creative process. Whether you're a fellow illustrator or just someone who loves to appreciate beautiful art, there's something for everyone on my channel.
So come join me on this joyful journey of creativity and imagination! Let's celebrate the beauty of books and illustrations together and spread a little bit of kindness and happiness along the way.
Holly Hatam
I don't really have the right words for this moment. Just a very full heart.
This book exists because of you. Every person who paused to read a post, shared the yellow jacket girl with someone they love, or told me that these little drawings made them feel seen - you built this with me.
My husband and I have been working on this for months. And honestly, it took so much longer than we thought it would. We kept hitting roadblock after roadblock. There were moments we felt defeated... moments where it felt like maybe this book wasn't meant to happen.
But every time we wanted to give up, I thought about you — the hundreds of thousands of you who connected with this girl in the yellow jacket.
The messages that said these illustrations helped you breathe, helped you cry, helped you feel less alone. That's what kept us going.
So thank you. Truly. Thank you for being here, for cheering me on, for believing in this project even before it was real. This happened because of you.
If you want a copy of this book, comment ABC and I'll give you the link or see the link below.
hollyhatam.com/pages/an-alphabet-of-emotions-book-…
2 months ago | [YT] | 4
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Holly Hatam
Breathe in. Breathe out. Let the wind carry your worries away. 🍃🕊️ My latest YouTube video is here—30 minutes of gentle wind and bird songs to soothe your soul. Tap in, close your eyes, and let nature do the rest.
1 year ago | [YT] | 2
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Holly Hatam
Today’s the day. 🌸
I’ve poured so much of myself into this little piece of art, and now it’s time to share it with you. As I pack each print, it feels like wrapping up pieces of my heart—the moments of doubt, of hope, and of quiet growth.
I create art because I want to inspire people. I want to spread kindness, compassion, and healing in ways that words sometimes can’t. I believe art has the power to make people feel less alone.
This piece reflects that purpose—a reminder that even when things feel heavy or stagnant, growth happens in ways we can’t always see. I made this print for the dreamers, the fighters who keep nurturing their hearts, their passions, and their dreams, even when they feel uncertain.
Sometimes we’re so focused on what hasn’t bloomed that we forget the care and patience it takes to see the beauty unfold. This flower is a symbol of the quiet strength it takes to keep going. Of the healing that happens even when we can’t see it. And of the kindness, we must show ourselves along the way.
This print is more than just an illustration—it’s a piece of my heart, and it’s meant for those who need a gentle reminder that growth takes time. There are only 100 of these prints, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
I hope this piece serves as a gentle reminder that no matter where you are in your journey, you are never alone—and the beauty you’re nurturing will bloom in its own time.
shorturl.at/8s8dM
#artprint #limitededition #illustration
1 year ago | [YT] | 4
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Holly Hatam
This week, I hit a breaking point. I was emotional and angry, reading about how Meta has been using AI to steal artists' work without our knowledge or consent. It’s nearly impossible to opt-out, and only the EU and Illinois can protest it.
I’m heartbroken and furious that Canada has no laws to protect artists from this. It's not enough that I have to battle humans stealing my work, now AI and the people behind it are doing it too.
I’ve worked tirelessly for 20 years to develop my style. To find out that my popular art has been used to train AI platforms is devastating. This is my livelihood, and it's being stolen. How is this not illegal?
I’m not against AI. When used ethically, AI can be incredibly beneficial. I use it to help with character poses and to edit (not write) my posts. AI must be used responsibly, with rules to protect human creativity.
AI art lacks the emotion and heart of real human artists. AI artists are not real artists.
I’m fed up with Meta.
1 year ago | [YT] | 6
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Holly Hatam
Stepping into 2024 with this affirmation: 'Inhale Love, exhale fear.’ It's about tackling those butterflies in my stomach and doing the things that give me the jitters. I’m going to do one thing every day that scares me. I'll step out of my comfort zone because growth lives there.
This isn't just any affirmation; it's from my very own ‘I Am Powerful’ affirmation card deck. I put my heart into creating them. If you're ready to transform fear into love and take on your own challenges, let's connect.
2 years ago | [YT] | 4
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Holly Hatam
Hello, my festive friends! 🎄✨ So, I've cooked up something sweeter than Christmas cookies this year. It's a song, 'If You Met Santa,' straight from the heart of my Christmas book. Think of it as your personal soundtrack for building snowmen and sipping cocoa. 🍪☕️
So, let's make some merry! Dance in your elf shoes, sing into your hairbrush microphones, and let's show Santa we've got the Christmas spirit!And hey, if you meet Santa along the way, tell him I sent you! 😉
You can listen to my song on Spotify!
open.spotify.com/track/4NZQvWFBeh7O5HqAo5ANi4?si=f…
2 years ago | [YT] | 4
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Holly Hatam
Me + Anxiety = Healing Together.
For years, anxiety has been my silent shadow. But instead of turning away or seeking escape, I've chosen acceptance. I no longer hide from its whispers or try to drown out its cries. I've learned to lean in, to show compassion to this part of me, to converse with it. I let my anxiety know I hear it, that I understand its fears and pains. And in those moments of true connection, that once overwhelming darkness begins to glow with a gentle light.
To anyone out there feeling the weight of anxiety, remember: understanding can be the bridge from darkness to light. We heal when we listen, when we care, when we embrace every part of ourselves.
#illustration #anxiety #mentalhealth
2 years ago | [YT] | 4
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Holly Hatam
5 Things You Should Know Before Pursuing An Art Licensing Deal
I love to illustrate kids' books and characters for animation. But did you know I also license my art for a variety of products?
I'm especially obsessed with designing greeting cards and wrapping paper—and despite my husband's complaints, I've collected a closet full of wrapping paper.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with companies like Mud Puppy, Hallmark, Merry Makers, Books to Bed and much more.
So you want to license your art? I get it. It's a dream many artists have, and it can be a tricky process to navigate. Here are five things you should know before pursuing an art licensing deal.
1. Create a collection of work
I would recommend creating a collection of work to show manufacturers. Manufacturers are more likely to license your art if you show a collection of work rather than a single piece of art.
No matter what kind of collection you're putting together—be it a series of prints or a set of greeting cards—make sure that the pieces compliment one another and fit together into an aesthetic whole.
For example, my first licensing deal was with a major greeting card manufacturer who loved my collection of birthday cards. They not only wanted one design, but they bought almost the whole collection!
2. Licensing is not the same as selling your work
When you license your work, you're basically giving someone permission to use it commercially—they can use it on their products or in their ads as long as they pay you a fee for doing so. Selling your work, on the other hand, means that you're giving up control over how it's used and where it goes (and letting go of any profits from its sales).
3. Royalties are complicated—and often don't happen at all!
Licensing deals usually involve a royalty payment for every product sold featuring your artwork, but there are lots of other factors that affect how much money you'll actually see from a deal.
You can licence your art based on either a flat fee payment or on a royalty basis.
Flat Fee
With a flat fee license you receive money up front and won’t have to worry about how well the design sells to get further income from it. This payment method also tends to pay a higher flat fee than an advance you would get if you were to do a royalty basis payment. But you will not receive a royalty on any products sold with your design on it.
Royalty Basis
When working on a royalty basis you will be paid an advance upfront on top of receiving royalties with every product sold. In some instances you may not even receive an advance. If this happens, you will receive the royalty income sooner.
4. Licensing deals are often long-term commitments
When you're looking to license your products or services, it's important to make sure that you're partnering with the right company. You might be asked to sign a contract that lasts for multiple years, so be sure that this is something you want to do before agreeing to a deal!
If you're not sure whether or not a licensing deal is right for your brand, you can always ask a lawyer or an accountant for help.
5. You don't need a gallery to sell your art
You don't need a manufacturer to make money from selling your art—in fact, you don't even need to sell it directly from your website! You can get paid by selling your work through companies like Redbubble or Zazzle, which will print and market it on t-shirts, phone cases, mugs… whatever you'd like!
I have my own Redbubble store where you can find a ton of my art used on a variety products. Like my most popular illustration "Dande'lion"!
So, you want to license your artwork. You've been thinking about it for a while, but now you're finally ready to take the plunge.
But… you're afraid. You're afraid of the unknown. You're afraid of rejection and failure. You're afraid your products won’t sell. And you know what? Those fears are totally understandable—I mean, who wants to be rejected? But here's the thing: if you don't put yourself out there and try, there's no way for you to succeed either way!
Put aside your fears and go for it!
2 years ago | [YT] | 2
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Holly Hatam
Let me tell you the story of how I went from a struggling, poor graphic designer to a #1 New York Times Bestselling Illustrator making a high 6 figure income.
The year was 2014. I was a stressed out and struggling mom of a 1.5 year old. In between nap times I would be studying to become a holistic nutritionist. I had decided to put my illustration career on hold while I studied. We were living off of one income and still in debt from the business I ran before I got pregnant. One day I got an email from my current agent - she wanted to represent me. I signed with her while still studying nutrition. Upon signing the contract, my agent sent out a welcome email to all the editors and creative directors on their list to introduce new artists they have signed.
The day Christy (my amazing agent) sent the email was a hard day. I was feeling exhausted and alone and listening out for the glorious sound of my husband’s key in the door. As soon as my husband walked in through the door - I threw our son at him and escaped to the bathroom. The only room in the house where I knew I wouldn't be disturbed. I hadn't been in the bath for more than 10 minutes when I screamed like a banshee, ran out of the bathroom waving my phone in the air, dripping wet and leaving puddles all over our apartment. My husband couldn’t understand a word I was saying. I eventually gave up and just let him read the email I had just gotten. The email that changed my life forever.
This life changing email was from Christy. You can read a bit of the email in the images attached. This email gives me goosebumps every time I read it.
Within 20 minutes of Christy sending my welcome email out, Harper Collins reached out. They were offering me a two book deal!! With a very sizeable advance. An advance that would change our lives. I was a newbie. Nobody in the publishing world knew my name. But Margaret Anastas from Harper Collins vibed with my art and took a chance on me. When she offered me that two book deal, she didn’t even have a manuscript for me. She wanted to sign me before someone else did. It actually took two years for her to find the perfect manuscript for me to illustrate. And that manuscript was Dear girl.
The advance from that deal bought us our first home. And it was in our new home that I found out I would be illustrating a book written by the amazing Amy Krouse Rosenthal - who is dearly missed. I knew who she was. I knew she was a big deal. My life had changed two years ago when I signed that contract. And now, it was changing again. All of my little girl dreams were coming true. I’m sobbing as I write this. Every time I tell this story, I turn into a mess of tears. Happy tears.
Nine years later, I am still so very grateful. I am so grateful for my agent. Without her, my art wouldn’t of gotten in from of art directors. I’m so grateful for Margaret. She took a BIG chance signing an unknown illustrator to such a big contract. And I am so grateful for my husband. He allowed me to chase my dreams. Not once did her ever tell me to “get a real job.” He let me take risks. He let me focus on my art. He’s the one that worked a regular 9-5 office job to support us. He let me be me. This book…it rescued us from our debt. It bought us our first house. It gave me the freedom to focus on illustration and it made me a #1 New York Times Bestselling illustrator.
Dear Girl was first released in December 26, 2017. It’s been five years since this powerful little book came out and it still sells thousands of copies a week. The thought that hundreds of thousands, if not millions of little girls around the world have read my book - I can’t put into words the emotions I feel. Dear Girl is so much more than a book. It’s all of my little girl dreams and big girl dreams coming true. It freed me from debt. It stopped us from living pay check to pay check. It catapulted my career. It gifted us our first home. It lead to the second book in the series - Dear Boy, which lead to the third and fourth books in the series; Dear Baby and Dear Teacher. It has led to other merchandise like pyjamas and dolls. It has been tattooed on people’s bodies.
It made me believe in myself again and is my daily reminder that I can create my own magic. Do you believe in magic?
2 years ago | [YT] | 2
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Holly Hatam
In the quiet of a sunny afternoon, we can find the peace we've been searching for. In the pages of a good book, we can discover the world we've been dreaming of.
Don't you just love those moments where everything seems to stand still, and you can just relax and enjoy the sunshine? Yesterday, I took some time out of my busy day to lie in the grass, feel the warmth of the sun on my face, and get lost in a good book. It was such a peaceful and serene moment, and it reminded me of the importance of self-care. Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference.
How do you like to unwind and take care of yourself? Tell me in the comments!
#selfcarematters #sunnydays #goodbooks #mentalbreak #peacefulmoments #relaxationgoals #illustrations
2 years ago | [YT] | 5
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