Meet the Heart Behind The Painted Acorn


Children's Book Illustration, Professional Book Design & Publishing Guidance

Helping independent authors bring children's books to life through custom illustration, book design, and publishing guidance.

Hi, I'm Kezzia Crossley—pronounced KEZ-eye-uh—a children's book illustrator, book designer, and the creative heart 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 help independent children's book authors through custom illustration, professional book design, and publishing guidance—bringing stories to life intentionally and beautifully.

I work with first-time and independent children's book authors who want more than beautiful illustrations. They want a collaborative creative partner who can help shape their book, guide them through the process, and bring it all together into a polished, print-ready children's book.

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.

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.

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.
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 an illustrator, and now as an independent publishing guide. My illustrations appear in more than 20 published children’s books, and I’ve partnered with authors around the world to help turn their ideas into thoughtfully illustrated, professionally designed books.

The Painted Acorn grew from that experience—a more personal, collaborative way to help independent authors bring their books into the world. 

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 creating characters that feel real, stories that spark curiosity, and books that feel thoughtfully and lovingly made. For me, the best creative work is collaborative, intentional, and made with care — the same approach I bring to every book I help create.

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

Ready to bring your story to life?

BRING MY STORY TO LIFE

Professional Memberships

Proud member of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP),
and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC).

These affiliations reflect my commitment to professionalism, community, and ethical practices in both illustration and independent publishing. Being part of these organizations helps me stay connected to industry standards, creative peers, and the ever-evolving world of children’s literature — so I can better support the authors and stories I work with.