Hello! I am an author, designer & cartoonist who moonlights as an art teacher.

I make art out of my converted Bluebird bus. I also spend my time as a creative director, teaching drawing and digital media in the surrounding community as well as making music and other creative pursuits. Thanks for coming by and feel free to reach out to me about any creative opportunities.

Artist Bio

Josh Tuininga is an author, artist, and graphic designer based in North Bend, WA. A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Tuininga's artistic career has explored a variety of mediums including sequential art, animation, painting and design. In 2003, he founded an Art + Design Agency, The Medium where he continues to work as Creative Director.

Josh is the author of ‘We Are Not Strangers’ (Abrams ComicArts 2023), and two children’s books, Why Blue? & Dream On. He also makes music with his wife as To the River. You can find information about his events and classes here.

Awards & Honors

2024 American Library Association Sophie Brody Medal Honoree
2024 KCLS Literary Lion Award
2024 Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau Roster
2021 4Culture Art Projects Panelist
2020 4Culture Heritage & Art Projects Grant Recipient
2019 4Culture Open Projects Grant Recipient
2011 Communication Arts Award for ‘Excellence in Illustration’
2008 How Graphic Design Magazine Website Design Award
2001 Seattle Arts Commission: Selected Artist
1996 SAIC, first Year Program Merit Award

The Bus

Tuininga’s art studio is a 1978 converted Bluebird bus. It is filled to the brim with numerous art supplies and musical instruments and it has been retrofitted with a wood stove to keep the studio warm and cozy.

Check out some of the stuff I make here: Books Art Design