Hi, I’m Amelie Butkus!

A writer, illustrator, and concept artist with over seven years of creative experience. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in English Literature, but I’m mostly self-taught in art. Some of my biggest influences were the illustrated novels I read as a child, such as Terry Pratchett’s Discworld Series, Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi’s The Spiderwick Chronicles, and Scott Westerfeld’s The Leviathan Series. If you loved any of those stories and visuals, this course is for you.
I love creating characters with weird, dark twists, whether that be in design or story. I’m the author of the illustrated novels: A Lamplighter in Larkeney and The Traveler’s Guide to Illustrating the Extraordinary Creatures of the Universe. My latest novel, The Witch in the Wall, is currently out for submission to major publishers.

At Offleash Studios, I lead content, marketing, and creative direction, connecting with a community of over 146,000 followers. I also take commissions, self-publish books, and design related merch. My work blends narrative world-building and fantasy art. I’m passionate about bringing extraordinary stories and creatures to life, and inspiring others to create their own.