Matthew Smigiel is an illustrator and writer based in New England. A graduate of the New Hampshire Institute of Art, he works digitally with a focus on traditional media aesthetics, specializing in detailed illustration for children’s books and young adult novels—his favorite kind of storytelling. His work often explores quiet emotion, narrative texture, and the intersection of humor and honesty.
When not illustrating, Matthew works as a Product/Packaging Designer, and has collaborated with creative partners including The Pokémon Company, Lucasfilm, Disney, Netflix, and Penguin Random House. These projects have allowed him to dip into stories & genres beyond his usual realm, each one presenting new challenges and opportunities to grow as a visual storyteller.
His greatest inspirations include Gustave Doré and Tony Millionaire—as well as poet Carl Sandburg and writer Joyce Carol Oates.
“My work centers on visual storytelling, often exploring the subtle space between clarity and ambiguity. I illustrate primarily for children & young adult books, as I love the emotional depth these genres allow. Though I work digitally, I’ve never been drawn to overly digital aesthetics; I strive instead for the warmth and texture of traditional media. I also love the freedom of drawing anywhere—my iPad has become both a sketchbook and a companion, reinforcing my dedication to portability and craft. I approach my work with humility, believing there is always more to learn. What drives me—both as an illustrator and as a person—is a continued search for clarity, reason, and quiet value in the world around me.”
