Today we’d like to introduce you to Colette Belloni.
Hi Colette, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey started in a place of forced visibility. I grew up navigating childhood trauma, and because my Mother’s trial was broadcast on the news and in the newspapers, I had nowhere to hide. As a child, dealing with onlookers’ pity and disgust was incredibly difficult, but it ultimately shaped my philosophy of life: I refused to hide my history.
Because traditional therapy wasn’t financially accessible to us, art became therapy sessions.
Over time, I realized that being an intentional, proud ‘over-shaper’ of my truth allowed me to connect with others on a deeply visceral level. In a world full of curated branding, my art aims to create a raw, therapeutic space where people can see my work and say, ‘I can relate.’
Today, that mission has evolved into a children’s book project specifically designed for children of incarcerated parents. I want to give these children the validation and the therapeutic tools I needed when my own world was upended, turning my early lack of choice into a deliberate purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall, it’s been a rewarding but evolving journey. I held onto this idea for a year while raising two small kids, but couldn’t find the time until I met local artist Alicia Philley at an art opening. Applying for the parent-artist residency she was running at the time finally gave me the space to prioritize it. From there, joining the SCBWI Austin Chapter introduced me to an incredible, inspiring community.
There have been setbacks—like a recent non-profit contract falling through that took some mental grit to overcome—but I’m learning the discipline to keep moving forward. Now that my kids are 4 and 8, my creative time is finally blossoming after a necessary and beautiful hiatus.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a visual artist and storyteller specializing in the historic cyanotype process, a medium I have focused on for over 15 years since earning my BFA from the University of North Texas. I create deeply vulnerable, personal work that tackles heavy family histories. For my senior exhibition, I created a book illustrating letters my mother wrote to me from prison. While that project began as a personal way to understand her, it became the foundation of my artistic voice—a voice I now use to advocate for children with incarcerated parents and dismantle the painful stigma surrounding them.
What sets me apart conceptually is this radical vulnerability. Growing up with my family’s trauma publicized in the local news, I felt so much sadness, shame, and a false sense of guilt. Today, I turn that forced visibility into a superpower, using my art to create honest and healing conversations.
Visually, what sets me apart is my unique illustration style. I have never seen a children’s book illustrated this way: it merges nature and cyanotypes of images of my own daughter, who plays the main character on a hike. I am most proud of this current book project. It beautifully bridges my 15 years of technical expertise with my deepest personal mission, creating a visually distinct lifeline for kids who need to know they aren’t alone.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Publishing & Literary Representation: Because I am currently navigating the best path to get this children’s book out into the world, I am actively looking to connect with agents, traditional publishers, or independent presses who share a vision for mission-driven, visually unique storytelling.
Community Partnerships & Non-Profits: I am eager to collaborate with advocacy organizations, library systems, and non-profits dedicated to supporting children with incarcerated parents. I would love to partner on community workshops, art activations, or book donation programs.
Spread the Word: The simplest way to support me right now is to help amplify this project. Connecting me with advocates, educators, or spaces dedicated to criminal justice reform and children’s welfare helps ensure this book reaches the kids who need it most.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: _bloomanddie_
