I’m Karen Barge — a picture book author, illustrator, and kid-at-heart. I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and now live in sunny San Diego County California, where I spend my days creating playful, whimsical, and sometimes quirky art designed to make people happy, giggle and smile.

I have been writing and drawing since I was as small as the characters I create. I make vibrant, imaginative art through both traditional and digital techniques. Inspiration comes from my daily walks on the beach, hikes in the mountains, and afternoons at the San Diego Safari Park (where my husband and I occasionally eat lunch with elephants!). I’m always asking myself: if these animals could talk, what would they say right now?

At the heart of it all, my mission is simple: to use color, humor, and imagination to transform great ideas to amazing products.

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