Meet the Heart Behind The Painted Acorn


Illustration & Independent
Publishing with Heart

Hi, I’m Kezzia Crossley— pronounced KEZ-eye-uh, illustrator, designer, and quiet force behind The Painted Acorn.

I believe in the slow magic of storytelling — the kind that lives in quiet moments, curious creatures, and the little acorns of imagination planted in childhood. Through The Painted Acorn, I offer heartfelt illustration and/ or custom book design for independent children’s authors who are ready to bring their stories to life — intentionally and beautifully.

Whimsical forest illustration of a hiker with trekking poles and orange jacket — personal artwork by Kezzia Crossley, children’s book illustrator

My Path to Illustration

My journey into illustration began like most stories do — with a love of picture books, sketchbooks full of creatures, and a childhood spent immersed in nature.

But it wasn’t until I started illustrating professionally that I realized how many incredible authors were telling stories outside of traditional publishing — and how much beauty lived in those untold tales.

Supporting indie authors quickly became more than work — it became a purpose. I’ve since partnered with writers around the world to help bring their stories to life with warmth, intention, and care.

A needle with a thread seen against a yellow background.
Simple illustrated book with a green leaf — symbol of growth and storytelling from The Painted Acorn publishing and illustration brand
Illustration of an eye with two green leaves.

What Guides My Work

Storytelling with integrity.

Visibility with intention.

Design that feels handmade, not
mass-produced.

Empowering independent authors
to publish on their own terms.

Two orange hearts with leaves — whimsical icon symbolizing care, collaboration, and handcrafted book design
Illustrated pointing hand with green leaves — visual icon representing guidance and support for indie children's book authors

I’ve spent over a decade immersed in children’s literature—first as a passionate illustrator, and now as an independent publishing guide.
Creating with purpose—now, I’m here to help you do the same.
I created The Painted Acorn as a gentler, more personal publishing path.

When I’m not sketching or formatting picture book pages, you’ll likely find me hiking forest trails, paddle boarding on quiet lakes, or sipping tea while sketching in the sun.

I love bringing imagination to life through characters that feel real, stories that spark curiosity, and designs that feel lovingly made. I believe in the magic of slow, meaningful work — and in helping stories (and people) find their way.

Professional Memberships
I’m a proud member of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators & Performers), and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC)—three organizations that champion excellence in independent publishing and Canadian children’s literature.

A thin, metallic, straight object, possibly a needle or thin rod, lying on a pale yellow background.

Ready to bring your story to life?