I've illustrated over 50 books of every sort, from toddler board books to historical non-fiction. I'm now also writing and illustrating my own picture books and interactive e-book apps, which is a lot of fun.

I draw mostly in a whimsical style with the goal of conveying lots of feeling in my pictures... happy, sad, sneaky, mad, hopeful, afraid... whatever. I'd guess that's about the main point of any illustration.

I work in Photoshop and Illustrator, which greatly expand the illustrator's toolbox. The combination of traditional and digital mediums allows for amazing new possiblities... and lots of fun.

I also use acrylics, watercolors, pencils and inks. Most of my drawing is done on real paper and then processed in the computer.

I grew up a happy go lucky child who liked to draw and build things. My brothers and I built boats, cars, buildings, wooden towns and dioramas. We entered our drawings in the Denver Post newspaper contest... where my brother Dave won all the time. He's also an artist. Possibly my high point as an artist was when I won a TV prize on a children's show in Denver. I still remember the thrill of seeing my drawing live on TV. My prize was an electric remote controlled dinosaur that shot rubber tipped darts. Legendary fame as yet to be topped.

My Uncle Edwin Schmidt was a commercial artist. He inspired me to try to become an artist. He lived in a beautiful house outside of Philadelphia and made wonderful paintings. I made this this linked page about his great artwork.

And ever since I began freelancing in New York I've kept at it. I guess there must be something about it that I like.

But for the last 30 years I've lived in Seattle, where I enjoy the natural wonders of the Northwest with my family.

In case you're curious, the surname Nez is derived from the original Slovenian Knez. 'Knez' is used as a common translation of "prince" in Croatian and Serbian literature.

And I thought it was just short for 'Knave'.

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