Barbara Johansen Newman has been a published illustrator for more than twenty-five years. Before she became an illustrator, she was a puppteer, doll maker and fiber artist. The last ten years have found her attention focused almost singularly in the world of books for children, both as author and illustrator.
Sometimes, though, things have a way of going full circle. Textiles seemed to be calling to her again. Barbara knew that her illustrations were always filled with colorful patterns. She suddenly realized: why not try designing patterns in and of themselves? And so she did. In May of 2009, armed with a binder full of brand new textile designs, Barbara made her debut at Surtex in New York City, a show specializing in art geared for surface decoration and textiles. The show was a great success and Barbara’s first collection of fabrics will become a reality.
For more information about Barbara, her work, and her clients, please visit Barbara’s web site. There is also a special section for licensing. Contact Barbara for more information about accessing those pages or with any other questions you may have about products and designs.
Barbara is currently working on designs for a new line of kitchen goods and textiles for her Really Really Retro TM collection.
In addition to pattern design, Barbara has countless images suitable for licensing. Below are just a hint of what’s available.
Lovely nephew, shocked Auntie.
Eyeglasses and the people who wear them.