Meet Camille Campbell | Author & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Camille Campbell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Camille, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
When writing my picture book Her Poems: Women Poets Who Changed the World, I was inspired by the poet Maya Angelou’s profound words—”Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” I feel that her words have shaped how I view success. In addition, success for me is being able to positively impact others through what I do, whether that be writing books or creating art. By writing books to inspire children, creating an advice book to help teens cope with the stresses of the pandemic and making art to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, I have felt successful knowing that I was able to make a difference.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved to write. I published my first book at fourteen and talked to children in various schools about pursuing their dreams at any age. I’ve learned that different forms of art can be extremely impactful and am honored that my work has been able to make a difference. I love collaborating with amazing teachers around the country to bring poetry into their curriculum, and it fills me with joy when I hear of children writing their own haikus, odes and inaugural poems. Although not all my work has been recognized, I don’t count those rejected projects as a “failure.” A lesson I’ve learned along the way is that rejection is part of the process and that, the more you put yourself out there, the more likely amazing things will happen!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some spots we would definitely hit include: the ASU Art Museum, Poisoned Pen Bookstore and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. For dining, we’d most certainly get a milkshake at Hotel Valley Ho, go to the Sugar Bowl, enjoy brunch at the Fairmont Princess, and have a few dinners at The Scott. In the evenings, I would love to take them to the Old Town Scottsdale Art Walk and the interesting shops in the area. I’d also love to take them to the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My incredible mother, who always inspires and encourages me to pursue my dreams.

Website: camillescampbell.com

Instagram: camillescampbell

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camille-campbell-aaa3b91b8/