Basie and Paisley Wall Decals Category

AUTHOR
James Robert Miller, Basie & Paisley Author

Always the daydreamer, James has constantly had ideas to create. Years of creative thoughts culminated one day in 2007 when the most spontaneous and ridiculous inspiration came to light  A Spider Lives In My Belly Button. From that particular moment, James knew he had a new goal  to publish a childrens book series.

Upon the birth of James first daughter, Ella, in 2006, becoming a father held new beginnings, new life, new experiences, and a new appreciation for lifes simple moments; and with a new look on life James got to work on writing and developing his first childrens book.

Miller strongly believes in the arts, and that every child should have exposure to art, books, music, and theatre. Miller, not an artist by any means, instead sang from elementary school through college, performed in plays and musicals and even sang with Bob McGrath of Sesame Street. Additionally, James was a radio DJ at WXOU 88.3 FM hosting two shows called The Jimmy Swing Broadcasts and The Top 40 Conspiracy. Currently, James serves as the PR/Media Committee Chair for BravoBravo! in Detroit, which is an event benefitting the Michigan Opera Theatre.

Moving forward, James now focuses his creative efforts on Basie & Paisley. More books are in the works that will feature new friendly monsters, and much more. Miller hopes that, with his books, he can inspire children that no idea is too silly, and that dreams can come true with hard work, dedication, and daydreaming!

James Robert Miller, 33, resides in Waterford Township, Michigan with his wife, Karen, and daughters, Ella Rose and Evelyn Violet, who inspire him every day. James is the public relations manager at Publicity Works.


ILLUSTRATOR
Leslie A. Kelly, Basie & Paisley Illustrator

Illustrating childrens books has always been a dream of Leslies. When her brother, Jim Miller, approached Leslie a couple years ago with the story, A Spider Lives in my Belly Button, Kelly was thrilled to create the wonderful characters that would become Basie and Paisley.

Kelly has always had a creative heart and a love of all things art related. Leslies college career quickly became centered around art classes at Oakland University, including drawing, painting and photography. She then transferred to the University of Michigan to major in graphic design where she continued to take fine art classes as well, but she fell in love with the possibilities that computer graphics held. From college Leslie became an Art Director/Graphic Designer, making a career of her graphic design skills.

Leslie states, Basie and Paisley have been such a joy to work on. These books are all me and my brother and our imaginations, inspired by our own life experiences and family moments. Working on these books gives me so much freedom and allows me to do something Ive always dreamed of doing.

For Leslie, it is the perfect mix of her background in fine art and graphic design. The style she created from Jims words and thoughts is fun, graphic and a little retro. Leslie is very proud to present the Basie & Paisley books to the world with her name on the covers.

Leslie Kelly was born in Madison, Wisconsin and has lived in Waterford Township, Michigan most of her life. She currently works as a Graphic Designer in Commerce, Michigan. Leslie is 30, and married to Patrick Kelly.