About

Hi, I’m Michelle.

I’m the artist and owner behind M. Johnson Illustration, a small illustration business built around friendship, connection, and the little moments that make life meaningful.

I’ve loved creating for as long as I can remember. Before starting my business, I earned my degree in elementary education and spent time working in schools. I’m also a wife and mom of two boys, so much of my work is inspired by the ordinary moments happening around me. Coffee with a friend. A quiet morning at home. A long conversation on the porch. The person who shows up when you need them. The moments that may not seem big at the time, but end up meaning everything.

I started my business in 2020, and over the years it has grown into something I never expected.

Today, I create illustrations and paper goods designed to help people feel seen, loved, and connected. You’ll find art about friendship, motherhood, everyday life, encouragement, and slowing down enough to notice the good things already around us.

One of my favorite parts of this little business is Dear Friend, my monthly happy mail subscription. Each month, I send a thoughtfully put together envelope filled with artwork, words, and small keepsakes meant to feel like receiving something from an old friend in the mail.

The idea behind it is simple:

Keep the print. Share the kindness.

Because I believe art can do more than fill a wall. Sometimes it can remind someone they’re loved. Sometimes a few words arrive at exactly the right time. And sometimes something as simple as sending a postcard can help us stay connected in a world that moves very quickly.

Along with creating my own collections, I also work with authors and businesses on illustration and design projects. Children’s book illustration has a particularly special place in my heart. I’ve illustrated several children’s books and am currently working on my own children’s book series, Buck & Beak.

Most days you’ll find me drawing from my home in Oregon, packing orders, working on the next Dear Friend mailing, drinking coffee that I’ve probably reheated more than once, and fitting it all somewhere between family life, school schedules, and sports practices.

Thank you for being here and supporting an independent artist.

Every order, message, share, and kind word allows me to keep doing work I genuinely love.

I hope you find something here that feels a little bit like it was made for you.

Michelle