Goofing off at Riefel Bird Sanctuary in Vancouver, BC

Art is for the birds

I’ve made it my mission to create artwork with purpose. I hope each piece can be a call to action—whether it’s a change in perception, seeing a species in a new way, or inspiration to give or volunteer for a cause.

I studied Biology in college and have always loved animals and nature. After working in wildlife field work for a few years, I got my start as an artist by studying Science Illustration at California State University, Monterey Bay. Since then I’ve worked with a variety of organizations and institutions including the National Park Service, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Seattle Audubon Society, The Wildlife Society, and many others; as well as gotten to work with so many fantastic wildlife scientists, conservationists, and ecologists.

I live in a tiny house on wheels built by myself and my husband, Brandon, in western Washington state and like to spend most of my free time birding, hiking, and just being outside!

If you’re interested in following along with my current projects, as well as learn a thing or two about the birds I find in my local patch, follow me on Instagram @tinyhousebigwoods and Twitter @laurelmundyillo, or check out my Facebook page, Laurel Mundy Illustration.

Contact me

If you’d like to inquire about working together, email me at laurelmundyillustration@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get a lot of requests for early career advice, and unfortunately I just don’t have the time or bandwidth to answer them all. Please know that I appreciate you and I’m doing my best. I hope you’ll find these FAQ’s helpful! If you think there are some questions missing from this list, feel free to email me and let me know.

How did you get your start as an artist / scientific illustrator?
I attended the Science Illustration program at California State University, Monterey Bay, a one-year Master’s certificate program.

Do you do this full-time?
Yes; I do a combination of freelance scientific illustration, commission paintings, online sales, and in person events. I previously also worked seasonally in various jobs, primarily wildlife field work. I started doing illustration full time in 2019 after completing an Americorps position as a science communicator in Denali National Park, which helped open up some new opportunities to work with scientists in various government agencies and scientific organizations.

Do you do custom work?
When I have time in my schedule! Generally my minimum for a custom piece is $300. Please email me for a quote if you are interested in commissioning a custom illustration. Relevant details to include in your inquiry are subject matter, desired size, medium, when you need it by, and any budget you may have. Please allow at least one month for custom work. And if you are wanting something as a holiday gift, I recommend reaching out by August!

What medium do you work in primarily?
I work in lots of different mediums but my favorite is watercolor, followed by digital painting.

What are your favorite brushes/paints/other art supplies?
Here is a short list of some of my favorite art supplies and tools:

  • Pentel Aquash water brushes for in-the-field paintings (and at home as well!)

  • da Vinci Cosmotop round watercolor brushes

  • Arches 300 lb hot press watercolor paper for large finished pieces

  • Fabriano 25% cotton watercolor pad for looser and practice pieces

  • Pigma Micron archival ink pens

  • Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton tube watercolor paints

  • Apple iPad and Apple Pencil for digital paintings

What is the story with your tiny house?
Our tiny home is parked on my husband’s family’s land in rural Snohomish county, in a beautiful field surrounded by tall evergreens. We built it ourselves in 2014-2015. At this moment I have all my art stuff squeezed in here! We are currently in the process of buying our own small piece of property to build a slightly larger place so I can have a proper art studio. :-)