Chelsey Lillge is seen posing with her daughter, Aleya Lillge. (Photo courtesy of Mark Lillge)

MARQUETTE — Chelsey Lillge is a children’s book illustrator from Iron Mountain.

She’s spent most of her life in the Upper Peninsula, graduating from Iron Mountain High School in 2008, attending Northern Michigan University and settling in Dickinson County.

After several years working in sales, she pivoted in her career to become a successful children’s book illustrator. She has been illustrating professionally for three years under the pen name Lynne the Italic Illustrator, which comes from her own middle name as well as the middle name of her daughter, Aleya.

“To quote my 6-year-old, she says what I do is pure magic because I create something out of nothing,” said Lillge.

Lillge’s illustration work covers a wide range of topics, from “Dickinson Trades,” a book about a boy learning about trade jobs, to “I Know a Girl,” a collaboration with author Stacey Hendricks meant to promote self-esteem. Her illustration work also includes the “Coping Crew” series with author Stacey Latagne, which helps kids through scary situations like getting an inoculation or going to the dentist, and the “Estie Files” series with author Laura Grantham, which teaches kids important lessons about cybersecurity.

“The book ‘Dickinson Trades’ was inspired by my husband, who is a blue-collar worker, as well as my father,” said Lillge. “My father and my husband have shown me that blue-collar workers (have) truly the hardest yet most essential jobs out there. It takes very skilled workers to fulfill the positions. These jobs are lucrative and rewarding and should be praised, rather than looked down upon. Imagine a kid growing up dreaming of being a welder or an electrician.”

“Dickinson Trades” was made in partnership with local Iron Mountain buinsesses M.J. Electric, Kubrick Aviation and Sikora Heating and Cooling.

While “Dickinson Trades” was both written and illustrated by Lillge, most of her illustration work is done in collaboration with children’s book authors.

“These authors that I illustrate for are the true talents,” said Lillge. “Their words are moving, imaginative and powerful. Their stories take us on special journeys and teach us lessons. I consider myself lucky to be able to assist them in bringing their words to life.

“The book ‘Why Wyatt’ is one of the few books I’ve written and illustrated. I wrote that one for my kids about owning who you are, even if it’s different.”

She has given presentations about “Why Wyatt” at local elementary schools.

Lillge began her career in news and marketing, working at TV6 as well as The Marquette Mining Journal for several years.

“I started writing articles for newspapers at 16,” said Lillge. “I continued it through college and segued into advertising and marketing where I honed those skills. Now I’m able to use those skills to make smart and engaging children’s books.

“When I speak at schools, I always tell the kids your career builds on itself. My career is the perfect example of that.”

Lillge does much of her promotion on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, even meeting her publisher, Three Kiddos Publishing, through TikTok.

“With having a decade-long career in marketing and advertising, I’ve always understood the importance of getting your name out there and the way to do that is by being where your viewers are,” said Lillge.

“Looking back, I’ve always had a passion for writing and creating, but never did. I never expected that making images and bringing those words to life would turn into a successful career.”

Lillge can be found on Facebook at Lynne Lillge the Italic Illustrator, and on Instagram and TikTok at lynnelillge.