Vanessa Brantley-Newton
ILLUSTRATOR/AUTHOR
NAACP Image Award–Nominated & Multi-Award Winning Author & Illustrator | NYT Bestselling Illustrator | TEDx Speaker | Diversity & Self-Love Advocate
Vanessa is a beloved children's book author-illustrator, with her titles gracing classrooms, libraries, and family bookshelves across the globe. In 2023, she was featured in a Target holiday campaign—where her exclusive Christmas offerings sold out and became collector’s favorites. In 2025, she debuted in a PBS Kids pilot, expanding her reach across retail, media, and education.
Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a powerhouse creative who writes and illustrates stories that uplift, affirm, and delight. A mixed-media artist inspired by the Civil Rights era and vintage fashion, she weaves music, joy, and representation into every page.
As Seen In: “PBS Kids Feature 2025” + “Target Holiday Campaign 2024”
Location: Charlotte, NC
“It is my heart’s work that all children see themselves beautifully illustrated in children’s books.” ~Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Signature Presentations:
Arts & Affirmation: Diversity and Confidence through Creative Expression
Behind the Book: From Sketch to Story & The Power of Representation
Creating Characters That Count: Interactive session where students invent characters with purpose and heart
Audiences: K-5th and beyond | Classrooms | School Assemblies | Libraries | Conferences | Keynote | Panels & Workshops
Availability & Honorariums: Contact Coy Brantley-Carlos
