PHOTO: Julianne Black DiBlasi, author and designer, merges her love for art and education to create inspiring books for children.
Exploring The Visionary Work Of A Teacher, Designer, And Author
Julianne Black DiBlasi shares her passion for combining art, education, and conservation to create engaging activity books like Nature Unboxed, inspiring young readers to learn, imagine, and explore the natural world.
Julianne Black DiBlasi is a force of creative brilliance, a masterful author and illustrator who has brilliantly fused the worlds of design, education, and storytelling. With over 30 published works to her name, she has captivated readers and learners alike with her bold ability to inspire wonder and foster curiosity. Her career spans more than two decades of exceptional contributions to the creative and educational landscape, and her influence as a mentor to design students underscores her dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators.
From the vibrant creativity in her celebrated work Nature Unboxed to her wide range of entertaining and educational activity books, Julianne’s inventive approach to blending art, science, and storytelling is nothing short of extraordinary. Her passion for conservation and kindling an appreciation for the natural world shines vividly in her books, while her expertise in graphic design imbues her creations with a flair and precision that make them irresistible to readers of all ages.
In this exclusive interview, Julianne shares her insights on the magic of combining art and education, the challenges of research, and the lessons she’s learned along her remarkable journey as an author and designer. Her inspiring perspectives are as engaging as her works, offering a fresh look into the mind of a visionary creator. Prepare to be inspired and delighted as we explore the world of Julianne Black DiBlasi!
Julianne Black DiBlasi is a creative visionary whose work fuses education and art, inspiring curiosity and conservation in young minds.
What inspired you to write and illustrate children’s activity books like Nature Unboxed?
My passion for science and the wonders of nature has always sparked my imagination. I believe that diving deep into the intricacies of our environment fosters a profound respect and awareness. Creating children’s activity books allows me to merge my love for art and my enthusiasm for education in the most delightful way. It’s like a dream come true—infusing fun and creativity into science!
How do you approach combining art and storytelling in your work?
Think of it this way: using art to explore educational topics is like pairing chocolate with peanut butter—it just enhances everything! The visuals not only clarify concepts like a textbook but also introduce a playful twist that captures kids’ interest. With games and puzzles sprinkled throughout, young readers build confidence as they engage and learn while having a blast!
“Creating children’s activity books allows me to merge my love for art and my enthusiasm for education in the most delightful way.”
– Julianne Black DiBlasi,
What was the most challenging part of creating Nature Unboxed?
The biggest challenge? Diving headfirst into research! I immersed myself in learning about everything from stars to native species and weather patterns. It’s one thing to regurgitate facts, but crafting jokes, puzzles, and thoughtful questions requires a deeper understanding of the material. Every moment of that journey was rewarding, though it definitely demanded a hefty investment of time!
How has your experience as a graphic designer influenced your writing and illustrating?
My background in graphic design has been a game-changer. It allows me to weave together every facet of creating an activity book seamlessly. From writing and illustrating to layout and marketing, I’m in full control of the final design. It’s like being a one-person production team where I can infuse my vision without compromise!
What advice would you give to someone looking to publish their first book?
Stay persistent and immerse yourself in learning—everything from the creation process to understanding industry trends and realistic royalty expectations. I’ve faced moments when projects seemed stuck or at a dead end, but instead of giving up, I explore other formats like blog posts or illustrated posters. No effort goes to waste! Often, this approach gives my original idea the fresh perspective it needs to soar again.
Are there any particular themes or messages you aim to convey through your books?
So far, I’ve crafted over a dozen activity books on topics ranging from pirates to wildlife. At the heart of each one lies a consistent message of conservation and wonder. This is what truly drives me—to inspire the next generation of artists and scientists to appreciate and protect our beautiful world.
