At Frame Amo, we believe every artist has a story worth sharing. Our Artist Spotlight Series celebrates the creators who inspire us with their vision, process, and passion. In each feature, we sit down with an artist to learn more about their journey, what fuels their creativity, and how they choose to present their work in framed spaces.
For this week's spotlight, we’re honored to introduce Lee White—an award-winning illustrator, teacher, and co-founder of SVSLearn.com, an online art school for storytellers. Lee has illustrated for major publishers such as Penguin and Random House, and his work continues to inspire both children and adults alike. We had the opportunity to ask Lee a few questions about his creative journey and process.
An Interview with Lee White
Q: Can you tell us a little about your creative journey and how you got started as an artist?
“I’m kind of a late bloomer. I didn’t start drawing until I was about 30, when my TV broke and I decided not to replace it. Suddenly I had all this extra time, so I picked up a sketchbook and… well, I never stopped. What started as ‘let’s see if I can draw this’ turned into art school, illustrating for big publishers like Penguin and Random House, teaching, and eventually building my own online art school (svslearn.com). It was a pretty sharp left turn in life, but it’s the best decision I ever accidentally made.”
Q: What inspires you when selecting subjects or themes for your art?
“Because I came to art later, I think I’m still in that ‘honeymoon’ phase with it—everything feels worth exploring. I’m drawn to moments that feel magical, unexpected, or like they belong to a bigger story just outside the frame. Nature, a change in light, or even a quiet street can spark an idea. If an image makes me curious, I know it’s worth chasing.”
Q: How do you envision your work in a framed space?
“For me, a frame is like stage lighting—it should make the art look its best without becoming the main attraction. I like clean, simple frames, often in natural wood, with plenty of breathing room around the image. Since I work in very textural watercolors, I want the presentation to feel airy and inviting, almost like the art could spill out into the room.”
One of Lee’s go-to choices is our 16x20 solid wood frame with an 11x14 mat opening, which beautifully complements his watercolor textures while giving the art space to breathe.
Q: As a children's book illustrator, how do you create visuals that resonate with both kids and adults?
“When I started making art, I was looking at it with totally fresh eyes, so I naturally gravitate toward work that feels layered—simple enough for kids to instantly connect with, but rich enough for adults to enjoy over and over. I build in small details, atmosphere, and subtle humor for grown-ups, while keeping the main story clear and emotional for kids. I never ‘dumb down’ for younger readers; I give them the same level of care and quality I’d want in art for myself.”
Q: What’s one piece of advice you give aspiring artists at the School of Visual Storytelling?
“Don’t wait to ‘feel ready.’ I didn’t start until I was 30, and if I had waited for some perfect moment, I’d still be sitting there with a broken TV. Start now, make the kind of work you want to be hired for, and keep it simple: clear ideas, definite focal point, strong design, and storytelling first. Everything else can grow from there.”
Connect with Lee White
Explore more of Lee’s work and follow his creative journey here:
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Website: LeeWhiteIllustration.com
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Online art school: SVSLearn.com
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Instagram: @leewhiteillo
