Sheli Petersen

Visual Storyteller

In-person School Visits – for Dallas-Fort Worth area

Sheli Petersen reading picture book at school visit

As a children’s illustrator and service-leader for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, I have extensive knowledge and experience in the process of illustrating children’s literature, both in traditional and independent publishing venues.
In addition to teaching graphic design and illustration at Texas Woman’s University, I offer K-12 school visits focused on scientific and narrative illustration.
For details and scheduling, contact me at
sheli@spetersen-art.com
I would love to hear from you!





Here’s what I currently offer:


Scientific Illustration Workshop - High School Level

STEAM focus. Step-by-step instruction in identifying, researching, & drawing specimen with scientific accuracy.
    Student Learning Outcomes:
    •Engage in research skills
    •Apply critical thinking
    •Build drawing skills

    Duration: 60 minutes
    For details: sheli@spetersen-art.com
    Fee: $400 (negotiable, depending upon your budget)
    Optional: Follow-up critique for $100


Sheli Petersen giving Scientific Illustration lesson
Scientific Illustration of an American Dagger Moth Caterpillar



Narrative Illustration Workshop – High School Level

Step-by-step instruction in creating visual storytelling with believability & appeal for a specific audience.
    Student Learning Outcomes:
    •Apply setting to establish a sense of place.
    •Apply pose (gesture and expression) to convey character's actions.
    •Apply framing & point-of-view to put readers at the scene.

    Duration: 60 minutes
    For details: sheli@spetersen-art.com
    Fee: $400 (negotiable, depending upon your budget)
    Optional: Follow-up critique for $100


Narrative Illustration thumbnails exploring various points-of-view
Narrative Illustration Lesson showing preliminary drawing



Character Design Workshop – Middle School & High School Levels

Step-by-step instruction to guide students in creating unique characters with broad audience appeal.
    Student Learning Outcomes:
    •Apply the principles of shape & proportion to convey character’s gender/identity, age, & human/animal attributes.
    •Apply three-dimensional thinking to give character life & believability.
    •Apply distinguishing details to show personality & emotion.

    Duration: 60 minutes
    For details: sheli@spetersen-art.com
    Fee: $400 (negotiable, depending upon your budget)
    Optional: Follow-up critique for $100


Character Design lesson using shape and proportion



Picture Book Reading & Drawing Workshop – Grades K – 4

Picture book reading of Rascally Ravens of Greystone Farm, followed by step-by-step lesson on how to identify & draw local wild birds.
    Student Learning Outcomes:
    •Engage
    •Apply
    •Learn

    Duration: 60 minutes
    For details: sheli@spetersen-art.com
    Fee: $400 (negotiable, depending upon your budget)


Drawing Tips Lesson
Drawing Lesson Steps for a Cardinal