Local bookish illustrator and small business owner Shiela Mae Proenza, (ArtsByBooksnmae) talks with us about her inspiration and creative process behind her craft. Lioness Books will carry her work in-store at our brick and mortar soon!
AS: Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us about your background?
SMP: “Hi! I’m Shiela Mae Proenza, the artist and creator behind ArtsByBooksnmae. I’m a local bookish illustrator and small business owner who designs bookmarks, stickers, greeting cards, Kindle inserts, and other cozy paper goods inspired by my love for reading.
I started my shop in 2023 while balancing my full time job, and what began as a creative outlet quickly grew into a community of fellow book lovers who connect through art, stories, and shared imagination.”
AS: How would you describe the work that you do? Walk us through your creative process.
SMP: “My work is whimsical, cozy, and deeply inspired by books. I love creating illustrations that feel like they belong inside a story; fairies reading in forests, blooming book stacks, magical readers, soft seasonal themes.
My creative process usually starts with a feeling. Sometimes it’s a book I just finished, a season that’s changing, or even a simple moment like drinking coffee while reading. I sketch digitally, refine the details, play with color palettes, and then turn the illustration into tangible pieces like bookmarks or stickers.
Everything I create is designed to feel like a little piece of comfort for readers.”
AS: What do you find most enjoyable and fulfilling about your art?
SMP: “What fulfills me the most is knowing that my art brings joy to other readers.
When someone uses my bookmark in their current read, decorates their Kindle with one of my inserts, or uses my book review notepad for their book club discussions that means everything to me. Hearing that kids are using my book review sheets in libraries or that readers feel more inspired to reflect on their books because of something I created truly touches my heart.
Every joyful review, every message, every tag from someone using my product fuels my passion even more. It gives me the motivation to continue creating and to keep showing up for this community.
Knowing that my art sparks someone’s reading journey even in a small way is absolutely the most fulfilling part of what I do.”
AS: How can people support local artists like you?
SMP: “The biggest ways to support local artists are:
- Shopping small when you can
- Sharing our work on social media (@arts.by.booksnmae)
- Leaving reviews in my Etsy
- Telling a friend
Even something as simple as liking, commenting, or saving a post on my Instagram helps (@arts.by.booksnmae) more than people realize. Community support is what allows small artists to continue creating.”
Lioness Books supports local artists. Uplifting local artists is crucial to not only the growth and strength of the greater arts community, but free expression and democracy. Purchasing from independent artists helps us move away from monopolies like Amazon and keeps our economy local.
