Children's Book Author & Illustrator; Four-Time Caldecott Honor Recipient; Creator of "Uptown" & "Dave the Potter"

Brooklyn, NY, USA
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Bryan Collier Biography

Bryan Collier is an author and illustrator recognized for his contributions to children's literature. Collier is known for his use of watercolor and collage, creating illustrations that blend vibrant textures and colors to enhance storytelling. He began painting at age 15 and later attended Pratt Institute in New York on a scholarship awarded through a national competition, graduating with honors. Collier has stated that his motivation to enter the field of children's books stemmed from a personal experience in a bookstore, where he noticed a lack of representation in the books available.

Collier's first book, "Uptown," which he both wrote and illustrated, marked the beginning of his career. For "Uptown," he received the Coretta Scott King Award as an illustrator and the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award. He has earned four Caldecott Honors for his illustrations in "Rosa" by Nikki Giovanni, "Martin's Big Words" by Doreen Rappaport, "Trombone Shorty" by Troy Andrews, and "Dave the Potter" by Laban Carrick Hill. For "Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave," Collier received the Coretta Scott King Award and a Caldecott Honor for his artwork.

Throughout his career, Collier has received multiple awards for his writing and illustrations, including four Caldecott Honors and nine Coretta Scott King Awards. His book "Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope" was the first picture book about Barack Obama. Collier was also a U.S. nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Among his other works, he illustrated Langston Hughes's poem "I, Too, Am America." Additional titles include "By and By," "Thurgood," "The Five O'Clock Band," and "Between the Lines."

In addition to his publishing work, Collier has contributed to arts education and community engagement. While at Pratt, he volunteered at Harlem Horizon Art Studio at Harlem Hospital Center, later serving as program director for 12 years. Collier regularly visits schools to discuss books and art with educators and students. He also illustrated the two-book series "All Because You Matter" and "We Are Here" by Tami Charles, which focus on celebrating the lives of Black and brown individuals. Through his projects, Collier continues to use illustration and storytelling to affirm identity, explore history, and engage young readers.

BOOK Bryan Collier

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 11/02/2026.

Bryan Collier Videos

Bryan Collier, WE SHALL OVERCOME

Bryan Collier, WE SHALL OVERCOME

Award-winning author and illustrator Bryan Collier joins Zibby to talk about his latest picture book We Shall Overcome which connects the ...

A Conversation with Illustrator Bryan Collier

A Conversation with Illustrator Bryan Collier

Illustrator Bryan Collier started painting at the age of 15 in his hometown of Pocomoke, MD. The eastern shore of Maryland served as the backdrop for...

Bryan Collier: 2014 National Book Festival

Bryan Collier: 2014 National Book Festival

Bryan Collier appears at the 2014 Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. Speaker Biography: Children's book writer and...

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  • What topics does Bryan Collier speak about?

    Bryan Collier is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Art & Design, Author, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Literacy
  • Where does Bryan Collier travel from?

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Bryan Collier is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Bryan Collier for your event is available upon request. Bryan Collier generally travels from Brooklyn, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Christopher Paul Curtis, Maryanne Wolf, Laura Numeroff, Hilderbrand Pelzer III and Glory Edim. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Bryan Collier for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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