Uncategorized – Page 2 – Carrie Schneider Author/Illustrator

Drawing To Be

As an autistic/ADHD (sometimes called “AuDHD”) artist, I draw not only to create but also to be. I draw when I need to listen, focus, calm my body, be at peace. Sometimes I feel that if I can’t make art with my hands, my fingers and arms will burn with frayed nerves, and my spinningContinue reading “Drawing To Be”

“My Mermaid” — From Scared to Swimming in #50PreciousWords

Thank you to Vivian Kirkfield for hosting the #50PreciousWords event again! It’s not only a contest, but also such a great opportunity to meet #kidlit friends around the world. And — perhaps best of all — it’s an invitation to challenge ourselves to let go of all distraction as we distill our craft down toContinue reading ““My Mermaid” — From Scared to Swimming in #50PreciousWords”

Making a Paper Doll

I’m Carrie Schneider (she/her), an autistic/ADHD artist and author/illustrator in California. I have always loved paper dolls, and now my daughter does, too! For her and her peers — (and for me, too, of course!) — I’ve created Avery, a paper doll & art activity that’s an open opportunity for both creativity and identity affirmation:Continue reading “Making a Paper Doll”

Flora and Flight!

In March last year, a friend and fellow member of our church’s Art Committee asked if I could create some monthly calendars with decorative borders for displaying events and member birthdays. I was happy to say yes! I love making art that I know will be enjoyed by others, and I really love our openContinue reading “Flora and Flight!”

My Life to Stories, My Stories to Life

I’ve loved having a chance recently to work on watercolor art for my 2 #LivedExperience picture books about autistic girls. Taking the care to illustrate the characters beautifully is so fulfilling. And I love telling these stories — my stories, the stories of many others, the stories I wish I’d read as a child. (1) IfContinue reading “My Life to Stories, My Stories to Life”

It’s Autism Acceptance Month! What does it mean to be autistic?

PDF of this post here Autism is a neurotype that is part of natural human neurodiversity. Autistic people are diverse, too; we are of every gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, religion, etc. in the world, as well as every age, and are unique in all the ways people can be. However, we have in commonContinue reading “It’s Autism Acceptance Month! What does it mean to be autistic? “

Commissioned Watercolor Paintings

I was very happy to be asked by an old friend if I could make a watercolor painting of Athena for his daughter. Soon after, when I showed my work to my writing group, one of my critique partners asked me to paint a Greek goddess for her daughter, too — this time, Artemis! HereContinue reading “Commissioned Watercolor Paintings “

50 words

Excited to participate in Vivian Kirkfield’s “50 Precious Words” writing challenge, I looked out my window for inspiration. I thought of all the windows people are looking out of right now — both familiar to them, and strange — and all that may be in the viewers’ hearts. I had to choose just one imaginaryContinue reading “50 words”

Freeing my Dragon

My newest project, Esme, Herself, is very close to my heart and identity as an autistic person. Working on a project so personally meaningful has been amazing! It fills my mind, heart, and hands, helping me grow as a person and artist. The story is based on my own experiences growing up. I’ve often feltContinue reading “Freeing my Dragon”

Hopes for the New Year

I made this drawing as an inspiration for myself for 2022. I hope it will inspire some of you, too — and perhaps even lead you to create your own image or words for the new year! I’d love to see them, if you do. As the drawing shows, I hope to: (1) Stay trueContinue reading “Hopes for the New Year”