ABOUT THE ARTIST

Hello there! I'm Danielle, founder of Ellie Design. Welcome to my creative corner for artists of all kinds - young, young-at-heart, just beginning, or looking to improve!

My love of drawing is part of some of my earliest memories. In a way, it's always been a part of me. Same goes for living with Spina Bifida, which means I've spent most of my life in a wheelchair. But hold the sympathy! If there’s one thing I’ve learned about disabilities, it’s that we all have them in some form or another. I just don’t get to hide mine. Instead of letting it be what defines me, I’ve let it fuel my inner strength, passion and creativity.

I’ve always been active, pushing the boundaries since my youth. Before I could even drive a car (which I do with the help of hand controls), I was a dancer performing onstage across Ohio. I learned to swim using only my arms. I’ve been surfing on the San Diego coast and downhill mono-skiing in Ohio. And while I have loved each and every one of these experiences, none of them have given me as much of a thrill as putting pencil to paper and creating something new.

Life experience has taught me that creativity can turn nearly any obstacle into a joyful and rewarding experience. And my favorite outlet for creativity remains drawing and illustration. I honed my skills while getting a Bachelor of Art from Anderson University in South Carolina.

ABOUT THE ART

I believe in nurturing the boundless imagination of children through the joy of art. My classes are designed to offer a welcoming space for kids to explore, create, and express themselves.

Perfect for anyone who loves to make, build, and dream, these classes inspire and spark creativity. Through hands-on projects, I encourage children to dive into their imagination, experiment with different materials, and discover the joy of bringing their ideas to life.

As someone who was homeschooled myself, I have many fond memories of the freedom it gave me to explore my artistic passions. It was a time when my creativity first began to flourish, and I want to share that same joy and opportunity with you and your children. My classes offer a blend of structured lessons and open-ended exploration, giving each young artist the chance to find their unique voice.

Join me in cultivating a love for art, where you can feel inspired, confident, and excited to create!

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you!