Jerrard K. Polk has been drawing all of his life. He won his first art contest in Kindergarten, and at 8 years of age knew he wanted to be published. Born and raised in Charlotte, NC his love of illustration was cultivated by many skilled art teachers and mentors. His love of books and poetry was encouraged by his mother, a librarian. He studied Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Charlotte where he attended on the prestigious Evelyn Keedy Memorial Scholarship. He received additional training at the Illustration Academy at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL.

Jerrard got his professional start at the tender age of 15 as a popular caricature artist at parties and events. Having drawn thousands of faces, as a young man he got a kick out of being paid to polkfun at adults. Today with over 20 years of experience, he coaches and mentors young people that are interested in illustration and entrepreneurship.

Having spent many years of his adult life living in Bermuda, Jerrard’s art is inspired by the natural beauty, bright pastel colors, and the sharp lines created by the island’s ever present sun. He is also greatly inspired by jazz and the dapper fashion of its innovators. He loves combining traditional and digital illustration to tell little known stories of everyday people to encourage children from all cultures. His cartoons and illustrations have appeared in books and magazines. He now lives in the tranquil countryside of upstate New York with his wife and son.