Together, We Will Do Great Things: Meet Illustrator Kellie Simms
Portland, Oregon-based educator and illustrator Kellie Simms sits down with A Great Idea team member J to talk queer creativity and the AGI value that inspired their original "Pride In Our Values" artwork
Kellie Simms' illustration of "Together, We Will Do Great Things" is part of a four-part series commissioned by A Great Idea for Pride 2025. This illustration series, by queer artists from across the US, is a visual representation of AGI’s four core values that guide our year-round commitment to community-centered, mission-led, equity-driven storytelling that is inclusive of all lived experiences and expressions. As a proudly LGBTQ+-owned agency, we wanted to invite visual storytellers to join us as elevate their work and celebrate the power of queer creativity. Learn more about this initiative here.
What is your artistic process?
My process is a fairly straightforward one. I give myself a few days to think about a brief or concept, going over several different ideas. I usually sketch right on my iPad—lately I've been working digitally—and then refine the ideas as I go along.
What are your biggest influences and inspirations?
I get a lot of inspiration of color from nature, but also my ideas come from going to art museums and galleries and seeing art in alleyways and friend's homes and in bars and everywhere really! I have a lot of influences: illustrators like Lisa Congdon, Rosemary Valero O'Connell, Mark Conlan and Rory Midhani to name a few. Also painters like Audrey Kawasaki and Bekah Worley.
What brought you to art/illustration?
I've been drawing, making art and being creative ever since I was a little one, but didn't get serious about it until I was about thirty-five and was like, “let's do this whole illustration thing” and here I am! I completed an MA in Illustration through Falmouth University and now feel fairly successful with it. I have an Etsy store, I regularly do art markets around Portland, Oregon, and reinvest most of what I make back into my tiny business.
What communities are you a part of and how does that influence your work?
I'm queer and most of my community is queer so a lot of humor, references and art is made geared toward my community. I find that if you love the art you make, oftentimes there will be someone who will love it too. I recently made a "Queer Birds of the Pacific Northwest" print because I'm a birder and thought it would be cute to add lil Birkenstocks and beanies to birds. Turns out it was a hit! I've been getting lots of good feedback on that.
What do you try to accomplish with your art?
I try to connect with other people through my art. Whether it's through humor —I have a sticker that says “Certified Snack”—or talking about vulnerability—I have another sticker that says “Big Feelings Club”—or bringing joy, it's connection that I'm seeking. As an introvert, I love talking to customers at art markets because art bridges the gap of awkwardness for me and makes me feel more connected to others.
What challenges do you face as an artist in today’s world?
Oh, definitely generative AI taking over the illustration world and slimy companies unethically selling art that was made by others.
How does your art communicate your values?
My art is colorful, funny and vulnerable, which all show my ways of being in the world and connecting with other people.
What does “Together, We Will Do Great Things” mean to you?
“Together, We Will Do Great Things” means showing up for each other as a community. Prioritizing togetherness and community above the self.
How does “Together, We Will Do Great Things” show up in your life and the work you do?
I have a day job as a teacher, so in that way, it shows up every day. We have to work together to lift up our students. But as an illustrator, I need to be in tune with my clients and customers to be able to sell work, make an income off my art and continue to get more work. 'Together, We Will Do Great Things' shows up everywhere and everyday.
See more of Kellie Simms' work here, and check out their Etsy store here.
A Great Idea will be sharing the illustrations and behind-the-scenes interviews from each artist across our platforms throughout Pride season. Follow along on Instagram and visit agreatidea.com and check out the full series. Let’s do great things together!
