Terri Wilhelm is a freelance illustrator, designer, and passionate storyteller based in Madison, Wisconsin, whose creative journey is chronicled in her sketchbook pages. With a love for observing the natural world, she translates everyday moments—flowers in bloom, birds in the yard, shoreline scenes, and afternoon hikes in the woods—into whimsical sketches, watercolor illustrations and hand-lettered pages. She specializes in storybook art with whimsical, handcrafted charm reminiscent of children’s book illustrations or educational posters.

All my artwork is story-driven, hand drawn, starting with a pencil sketch, human made with traditional art materials.

Click here to download my tear sheet.

I work full-time as a compliance analyst at an investment firm. I took a sabbatical in 2010, went to art school later in life, and had my first drawing class at age 42! I was in heaven, finally doing the creative work I never realized I was meant to do. I have a degree in graphic design and illustration (along with my undergrad degree in communications and a paralegal degree).
I hear it takes 10,000 hours to become an overnight success so I draw all the time to practice, to be able to draw anything and everything. I’ve been drawing since 2010, so I think I’m over halfway there. I live in a part of the world that has four robust seasons so I’m surrounded by lots of inspiration, from the view outside my office, to my own backyard, to all the wonderful trails I love to explore.

I would love for you to check out the rest of my portfolio here. Follow me on Instagram to see my current works in progress.

Terri is a member of Illustrators For Hire (@illustratorsforhire), a wonderful, curated group of professional freelancers. Click here to learn more.

Contact me if you would like to work together on an illustration or licensing project.