Biography
Kelly Vere Berthely a/k/a Kelberlee is an illustrator whose work relies heavily on vibrant color and whimsical themes.
She grew up in Queens, New York, before studying at the High School of Art And Design. After graduating from the Illustration major, she headed to The Fashion Institute of Technology to study more illustration, with a focus on digital mediums. She also studied The Art Of The Book at Purchase College, which included lithography, silkscreening, etchings, and wood block printing processes.
Influences
"I'm heavily influenced by slice of life visual novels, as well as animation - I frequently see the latest animations in theaters in 3D. I love works with detailed yet painterly backgrounds, thoughtful color choices, and figures with strong yet subtle gestures. Naoko Takeuchi, the creator of Sailor Moon, is my favorite artist, and Yuko Shimizu is my favorite illustrator. Drawing has been a beloved part of my life for as long as I can remember, so I truly feel influence can come from any given facet of life - I briefly lived in California and being there naturally brightened my color palettes."