Hi there, I’m Mat

I have a wonderful partner and a gremlin of a dog, both of whom I love very much! I’m based in Chicago. Throughout my life I’ve told my stories best through images. I find myself endeavoring to create work that communicates the kinetic movement of cartoon keyframes. I enjoy telling stories of relatable concepts that will help people understand each other and themselves better through fantastical concepts.

I’ve worked as illustrator and layout designer on 3 author published books!

My credits include

  • Sleepy Dinosaur and the Bad Case of the Bedtime ROARS! (2021) sleepydino.com

  • How to Fly with Alaska Chai (December, 2023)

  • Hungry Dinosaur and the Bad Case of the Tummy GROWLS! (December, 2023)

I’m excited to take on new projects and am seeking representation, contact me through Email

Reaching for the cabinet door! This is a rough sketch of this piece, and doesn’t fully represent many stylistic choices intended for the final, but I think it’s fun to get a look at the raw unfinished sketches and layouts! #art #illustr
Someone’s tummy is rumbly!!! So happy to be working on a sequel to #sleepydino with @sleepydinobook! Introducing the Hungry Dino (same Dino, different problem!) I’ll be sharing more artwork and process content soon! While the art style
It’s #kidlitpostcard day! As usual I’m Mat Schelsky, I illustrate picture books and I look forward to seeing everyone else’s beautiful work! #illustration #picturebooks #art #spooky #halloween #kidlitart #illustrator #diversity #mo
My next book as illustrator and layout designer is about a kid going on their first airplane trip while guiding readers through the process in an adorably lyrical way. And you can buy it later this year! #picturebookillustration #picturebooks #illust
And don’t ask the flight attendant to smell your shoes! New project is nearly complete! Can’t wait for you all to have the chance to read it! #illustration #picturebooks #kidlitart #Art #artist #travel #stinkyshoes
Working on something cool in the new year. #kidlit #illustration #art
It’s been a while. Here’s a value study I’ve been working on. Initial painting was in grayscale then used the phenomenal gradient map feature in procreate to get these results! More kidlit illustration to come!
A hesitant return to posting! I haven’t properly drawn anything in months. So here’s a sketch of a fox sitting around. I’m FINALLY beginning to recover fully from a few different issues. Here’s to good health and fun drawings!