Meet the Artist: A Blind Baby to Children's Book Illustrator

Hello! I'm Hannah Renae — the artist behind the artwork! I thought today I'd take a moment to tell you about myself and my testimony of God's work in my life through art.

How I Became an Artist

My art journey began way back in grade school. I wasn’t good at most things in school because of my dyslexiaa, but I discovered I had a talent for drawing. Art class was the only class I ever got an A+. So I poured myself into art more and more!

As the years went by, God allowed my skills to grow. I picked up artistic expression in all different types of mediums like photography and video. I was able to use those gifts around the world to help grow the kingdom of God, support missionaries, and help bring financial support to ministries. I never thought a broken kid like me would ever be able to be used in this way, but he did. I learned just because I'm not built like everyone else, doesn't mean I'm useless; I'm just a different shape tool for a different purpose.

Becoming a Children’s Book Illustrator

Then a few years after graduating, grew a passion to be become a children's book illustrator. Not long after God put Lois in my life, the author of Once Upon a Robin, and she invited me to collaborate on her children’s book. After a year of hard work, I officially became a published children’s book illustrator! That project was such a blessing, and it’s inspired me to want to publish more books in the future, Lord willing.

As a child with dyslexia, picture books meant everything to me. Even when I couldn’t read the words, I could immerse myself in the world through the illustrations. That’s the kind of gift I want to share with kids just like me.

A Miracle in My Story

But perhaps the most important part of this story is not a dyslexic kid publishing books, or graduating from college, or diving into ministry, it's the fact that God gave me sight.

Believe it or not... I was born blind. No, like seriously.

I COULD NOT SEE!

My parents were told by multiple doctors I was blind a just a few months old. Just as it seemed hopeless, my parents took me to one more doctor. He flicked a rotating device in front of my eyes. I jolted, looked up into his eyes and smiled. It was the first time I saw! My eyes were healed!

I look back at my story and can't imagine what it would be like without being able to see. But God had different plans and chose to heal me that day. So I try to be thankful and remember that often!

"I was blind, but now I see." (John 9:25)

I hope my testimony was encouraging to you today!

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Hannah Renae