Alumna illustrator Julie Wells’ latest book recently hit shelves: A Little Extra Jayne, a children’s book about a girl with Down Syndrome that celebrates the “extra” little things that make each person unique. The book is Wells’ tenth illustrated work — a testament both to her remarkable artistic ability and to the encouragement she has received within the Christendom community to use her gifts to uplift and inspire others.
Many people desire to become artists from a young age, wanting to use their creative abilities to bring joy and share wisdom, often through the power of story. When it comes to choosing an education suitable for such a pursuit, however, young Catholic artists can run into colleges and programs that distort the truth or encourage art in environments that are not conducive to the Catholic faith.
Wells, a graduate of the Class of 2015, chose to study at Christendom, believing that the liberal arts education and the Catholic community would help her pursue her vocation. Since graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Christendom in 2015, Wells has illustrated ten children’s books, becoming well-loved for her lively and wholesome designs. She owns her own freelance business, Julie Wells Illustration, working with different authors through a variety of publishers, as well as working full-time as the Digital Media Manager for Christendom College.
Two of the illustrations created by Wells for A Little Extra Jayne.
A Little Extra Jayne is Wells’ first illustrated book published by Jumelle Press, pairing her with mother and author Summer Adamson for the first time. Wells connected with Adamson through Instagram a couple of years ago and offered to collaborate if Adamson ever decided to write a book about her daughter, Jayne.
“I have always had a special place in my heart for kids with Down Syndrome since I volunteered with Down Syndrome of Louisville when I was in high school,” says Wells. “This book is my favorite of all the stories I have had the opportunity to help bring to life. From the very early sketches, I was in love with the character of Jayne and wanted to help tell her story in a sweet, innocent, and fun way.”
Wells notes that Christendom and its community have been instrumental in her success. Through the classes, extracurricular opportunities, and her work in the Marketing Office, Wells believes that, “So many people I have met through Christendom helped pave the way for my work in illustration, offering me a creative and encouraging environment in which to blossom and share my gifts.”
Author Summer Adamson’s daughter, Jayne, is the inspiration for the new book illustrated by Wells.
Wells is not alone in becoming a successful artist following graduation from Christendom. Alumnus Ben Hatke (’00) is a #1 New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator, whose acclaimed works include the Zita the Spacegirl trilogy (which was optioned for a movie deal with Twentieth Century Fox Animation prior to Fox’s purchase by The Walt Disney Company) and the Eisner Award-winning Little Robot. Alumna Mandy Hain (’06) was an acclaimed artist as well, drawing and painting Icons, large scale murals, liturgical design, and more – including work on Christendom’s Christ the King Chapel.
Prospective artists can explore their talents at colleges and universities around the world. But at Christendom, they do so within an environment that will uplift and inspire them to prayerfully pursue their vocation, all while studying the greatest minds of Western Civilization.
To purchase Wells’ latest work, visit here.
Contributed by Helen Davis ’25.