I had the privilege of joining the other members of the NASH Illustrators group this month over at Outer Limits Comics and we had a blast drawing and painting during Free Comic Day (the first Saturday of May). We spent 12 hours embracing the comic book medium, creating stories and other related art while meeting tons of great people. I want to give a HUGE thanks to Outer Limits Comics for loaning out their space.
Looking back at my previous posts on social media, I realize that I not only talk about this Nashville-based group often but also never had a chance to introduce the other members. Today I’d like to showcase who they are – get prepared to meet a ton of wonderful artists! This is probably the most color you’ll see on this site :).
Tina Ritchie
I was first connected to the NASH Illustrators group through meeting Tina at a Nashville Comicon and she has been a great inspiration ever since! Tina has a bold, colorful style that really embraces strength, nature, as well as other themes. The swirls and waves seen in Master of Beasts above characterizes Tina’s worldbuilding style – everything flows together. I would recommend picking up a copy of The Dirty Parts of the Bible graphic novel that she illustrated if you want to read an endearing but funny story. While you’re at it, pick up a print (or two) from her Etsy store as well!
Carlie Ann Hedges
Carlie does a ton of design work and has extensive experience in the kid literature space. Her characters have such expressive looks about them with colors that bring out the mood. I have noticed that her work weaves complex compositions together like with this Halloween scene and she does a masterful job lining up the various pieces so that you get to go on an adventure every time you look at her work. Carlie’s bright and colorful work is certainly worth exploring.
Josie Smoot
Josie works in both digital and analog formats, namely watercolor, gouache, and ink to bring us a cool style of characters and themes that range from classic fairy tale to more contemporary motifs. I love the way she approaches armor and clothing with her figures like with Bound by the Blade – superb detail and linework. I am looking forward to seeing her finished comic book work regarding a battle with a dragon that is super sick. She also does a fantastic pet portraits and other commission work as well. Check out Josie’s world over on Instagram too.
Natalie Briscoe
Natalie works on a ton of different products – all part of her mastery over surface design, creating an appealing set of imagery that adorn cards, wrapping paper, and much more. I see a lot of work centering around nature and its many critters with plenty of opportunity for color. Natalie is sure to have an item that will fit your holiday shopping list at her Etsy store. It’s also pretty cool that her designs make it to the masses in places like Target so I’m sure you’ve seen her stellar work before!
Brandon Bell (Omni Atelier)
Brandon is one of our newest members of the group (as of the writing of this blog post) but he isn’t new to the world of book publication and charming character design. Some of his work highlights niche populations like those who have disabilities such as in the book he illustrated, The Friends You Don’t See Coming. I’m sure many young readers will be able to relate to Brandon’s work.
Daisica
Daisica has you covered if you’re interested in journaling. Her YouTube channel, Intimate Sanctuary, has a cozy vibe and offers a safe space for folks to explore their creativity. She also has an interest in astrology. The audio in her videos is exceptional – get drawn in by the charm of her illustrations and stay for the smooth sounds.
Lauren Schwartz
How about some slick portraiture and graphic design? Lauren incorporates a sort of surreal mix of colors and tones to generate her work like the above piece honoring the late Amy Winehouse. Lauren has worked on a variety of murals and sketches while incorporating plenty of nods to fashion. I last saw some neat retro pin-up type sketches from her and they are pretty cool! Follow Lauren on Instagram to see more of her work.
Marina Ibrahim
Marina has a way of using texture in her illustrations that is both unique and familiar at the same time. She does wonderful children’s literature pieces as well as surface design. Her client work includes a wide variety of themes. You owe it to yourself to see her amazing ceiling mural on Instagram adorning her family’s sunroom. They are so lucky!
MyKel Harris (True)
The first combination of photographer and illustrator amongst our ranks, MyKel (often going by “True” in the art world) has a good eye for composition and character. A recent 2025 graduate, True has a great blend of pieces that invite you to listen in on a story or two. My favorite illustration is How to Drink Alone featuring cool tones to describe a somber, solitary moment. Reach out to him on Instagram if you need a good photo or illustration.
Jim Elston
Jim is a true veteran of the animation field with an impressive résumé that spans across well-known properties such as Disney classics like Mulan, Emperor’s New Groove, Lilo and Stitch, among others such as VeggieTales in the House. Being a portrait-lover myself, I really dig his study pictured above for its tonality and color choice. Jim has an incredible range of work and is currently doing his thing as a freelancer. Check out his latest things on Instagram as well.
Hannah Middleton
Hannah projects a strong sense of emotion in her authentic work such as with this piece for Huevember. It’s not a shocker to me to see her talent in animation and her short film “From the Heart” has been shown in film festivals across the U.S. I believe she can make just about any critter (or human) a compelling character!
Sepi Naghashian
A self-taught artist as well as an experienced medical researcher, Sepi uses her knowledge of engineering and interest in landscape pieces to create a unique portfolio of work. I especially like The Flood as it reminds me of various cities around the U.S. and how fragile they can be. Sepi asks good questions about humanity’s place with nature.
Kal Dunsmir
Kal, the “Really Good Wizard,” is just that when it comes to making art with a punch. Their work doesn’t take life too seriously and carries a sense of controlled goofiness that is really appealing. I think their work could have easily been a part of shows like Samurai Jack. Go check out some whimsy on Kal’s Instagram.
Corrie Liotta
Corrie’s work is hilarious! The trials and tribulations of a cat named Mango will likely remain my favorite of hers. Corrie’s pieces create a visual impact that gets the job done without overstaying their welcome; it’s the right amount of joke and design rolled into one neat package. I think you’ll see what I mean if you visit her shop.
Scott Moore
Scott is a freelance illustrator from the Nashville area and let me tell ya, his sketchbooks are wonderful to browse through! He has a great sense of dynamic gesture work in his characters while projecting their personalities. I like this drawing above for its fierceness and clarity of linework. Check out Scott’s work on Instagram.
Court Thompson
Court creates super colorful and charming illustrations and surface designs including the above Dino Galaxy – perfect for the young and old dino lovers out there. Her compositions have a lot going on in the best way possible. Court’s portfolio is filled with pieces that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Samuel (The Illustrious Sanguine)
Samuel (aka “The Illustrious Sanguine”) is a prolific creator who is currently making his way through an epic comic book story titled Eldernet centering around dystopian future with horror and mystery elements tossed into the mix. The story leans into a great use of color and tonality, bringing out a vibe that invites curiosity in the reader. You can follow Samuel on Substack.
Jeremy Sosnick
And then there’s me! If you are new around here, Monochrome Mythology is all about black and white storytelling through graphite and ink. I have a lot planned so I hope you’ll stick around and find out! You can visit the Etsy shop to buy some prints if you need something new for your home or office.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for checking out all of our work! The NASH Illustrators is filled with talented people from middle Tennessee and I can’t imagine a world without ’em.
Keep telling stories,
Jeremy