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An illustrator of nearly 20 books, School of Art Assistant Teaching Professor  recently celebrated the release of two picture books, “” (Harper Collins) and “” (Philomel Books).

Using acrylic paint, cut paper and tissue paper, Ladd employs a  for his work. Nurturing the talents of rising illustrators, he became a full-time faculty member this year at the , where he earned a B.F.A. and M.F.A.in illustration and previously taught part time.

Motivated by the “beauty of Black life,” he draws a spotlight on relatable subjects. His picture book “” (Harper Collins), a celebration of Black children, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in 2023.

Exploring the beauty of Black hair, Ladd presents people viewers can identify with in “My Hair is a Book.”

“My greatest joy is when somebody says, ‘That looks like my niece’ or ‘That looks like me as a child,’” says Ladd. “I want people to see themselves, or somebody they know, and connect with it.”

Early in his career, Ladd focused heavily on historical subjects, particularly those from the American Civil War and Civil Rights eras. He has since shifted away from these subjects but made an exception for Myrlie Evers-Williams, a civil rights activist.

“I have tremendous respect for her,” Ladd says. After her husband was shot and killed, “instead of regressing back into anonymity, she made her own name. She’s carried on the legacy that started when her and her husband began.”

Ladd has another book release, “” (Holiday House), on the horizon. He is also working on illustrations for three other books.

With his sights on the future, Ladd has plans to write his own picture book, branching out into a different art form.

“I’m excited about the writing element,” he says. “That’s the last frontier for me in picture books.”

Story by Mikayla Heiss