Design Matters with Debbie Millman Carson Ellis
Oct 21, 2024
Carson Ellis, a celebrated author and illustrator known for her unique style and works like Home and Du Iz Tak?, discusses her life on a farm in Oregon and how her upbringing shaped her artistic journey. She reflects on the importance of journaling and its connection to introspection, alongside her fascinating historical curiosities. Carson shares the emotional depth of illustrated storytelling, touching on her innovative use of invented languages and the nostalgia tied to children's books, revealing how these elements spark creativity in young readers.
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Early Childhood
- Carson Ellis's parents, though not self-identifying hippies, lived in a van with a wood stove.
- After facing eviction, they moved to Brooklyn with Ellis's grandmother.
Carriage House Life
- Ellis lived in the carriage house of a Vanderbilt's former estate in Mount Kisco.
- She spent her time drawing, exploring the woods, and longing for the pony across the street.
Early Artistic Inspirations
- As a child, Ellis drew comics featuring cats in leg warmers, inspired by Pat Benatar.
- She also wrote stories about a girl receiving a horse for her birthday, reflecting her own desire for a pony.