Welcome to The Atelier Journal

A little window into the worlds we imagine.

Hi, I’m Scott Von McLaw

, the illustrator behind Imaginal Atelier — and I’m so glad you’re here.

This journal is a place I’ve wanted to create for a long time. Not a traditional blog full of marketing updates or technical tutorials, but something softer, quieter, and more meaningful. A place where I can share the stories behind the illustrations, the tiny sparks of inspiration that start a new world, and the gentle magic that flows through childhood imagination.

Because every piece I create begins with a moment — a laugh between two brothers, a daydream sparked during play, a forgotten childhood memory suddenly returning with warmth. These are the seeds of the worlds I draw. And this journal is where I’ll explore them with you.

Here, I’ll be sharing:

Behind-the-scenes looks at new illustrations

The childhood moments that inspire each piece

The creative process — the messy, magical, human parts

Sneak peeks of upcoming projects

Quiet reflections on imagination, storytelling, and art

My hope is that each entry leaves you feeling a little lighter, a little more connected, and a little more aware of the magic that still lives in the everyday — in the backyard kingdoms, the cardboard spaceships, the soft moments of wonder that kids create without even trying.

Whether you’re a parent, a fellow art lover, or simply someone who enjoys whimsical worlds, I’m grateful you’ve stepped inside the Atelier. There’s so much to explore, and this journal is just the beginning.

Thank you for being here.

Let’s discover these stories together.