Conversations with Fred Beeman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fred Beeman.

Hi Fred, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the Bay Area in the ‘80s and ‘90s—surrounded by music, movies, and creativity in all its forms. As a kid, I was constantly drawing, making comics, acting in school plays, and filming goofy short films with friends. That early spark turned into a lifelong love of storytelling.

But along the way, things slowed down. After losing my father—who I was incredibly close to—and several other family members, I slipped into a kind of emotional fog. I was anxious, depressed, and stuck. I didn’t spiral—but I numbed myself, and I drifted. I wasn’t living fully, and I definitely wasn’t creating the way I knew I could.

Everything changed during the COVID pandemic. The world stopped, and I used that time to take a hard look at my life. I committed to getting sober—not just for myself, but for my nieces and nephews. I wanted to be someone they could look up to. Someone who didn’t normalize drug use. I also dove into physical health, lost over 60 pounds, and slowly rebuilt my routines.

That same discipline carried over into my art. I’ve always been a trained artist, but I doubled down on traditional methods. I draw and paint everything by hand—on paper. Nothing I do is digitally created except for the layout, which I hand off to a designer once my artwork is complete. That commitment to handmade, tactile work is something I’m proud of.

Sobriety gave me clarity. That clarity gave me routine. And that routine allowed me to elevate my craft in a way I hadn’t before. Whether I’m working a 9-to-5 job or not, I stick to a daily creative routine as much as I can. It keeps me grounded. And when I feel like I’m pushing too hard, I ease off the throttle. I’ve learned how to sustain creativity in a healthy, balanced way.

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?
Not at all. It’s been a long journey through grief, anxiety, creative inertia, and self-doubt. The hardest part wasn’t failure—it was feeling stuck. Sobriety helped me reset. It gave me back the energy and focus I needed to re-engage with life, with art, and with people.

During my recovery, I also worked at a sober treatment facility for over a year. That experience gave me a renewed sense of perspective and purpose. I learned that healing and creativity go hand in hand—and that even children’s books can carry powerful emotional weight.

Today, I approach my art with much more intention. I care less about chasing trends and more about creating something honest. Something that reflects who I am, where I’ve been, and what I want to give back.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am primarily a children’s book author and illustrator, with a deep passion for handcrafted visual storytelling. Over the past decade, I’ve also created several graphic novels, though none have been published—yet. My work is rooted in original narratives that I conceive and bring to life through art, always aiming to connect on a personal and emotional level.

My most notable piece to date is a self-published children’s book titled The Adventures of Kitty Baby. While I’m proud of that work, I’m even prouder of my perseverance—staying committed to the creative path despite life’s many obstacles.

In my early years, I believed inspiration had to strike like lightning. Now I see things differently. Waiting for some magical moment to create? Good luck with that. Ideas are everywhere, whether we’re tuning into them or not. I love how the late, great David Lynch once described creativity—as an antenna we all possess catching frequencies. Sometimes we’re lucky enough to hook a really good one, like catching a fish.

What sets me apart as an artist is my ability to balance vulnerability with a sense of humor. The world can be harsh and wildly unpredictable, but I’m not here to preach. I simply try to stay grounded in gratitude for this one life we get. That mindset fuels my creativity. I’ve learned that I have no control over who appreciates my work—and that’s okay. Letting go of that need for validation has opened the door to boundless creative possibilities.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I create hand-drawn, hand-painted children’s books that aim to speak to both kids and adults. If you’re a publisher, filmmaker, or collaborator looking for emotional, character-driven visual storytelling—I’d love to connect. I also do traditional storyboard work and illustration.

My first book, The Adventures of Kitty Baby, is available now on Amazon. I have a second book launching on June 1, which is the most detailed and personal project I’ve created to date.

If something about my work resonates, I’d be grateful if you shared it, left a review, or just reached out. That kind of support means everything to an independent artist—and it’s what keeps this whole thing moving.

Pricing:

• “The Adventures of Kitty Baby” paperback $14.97 on Amazon
• “The Adventures of Kitty Baby” Kindle ebook $9.99 on Amazon

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredbeemanart?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pizzapartyinthewoodz?_t=ZT-8w0ZTcTPQ30&_r=1

Image Credits
All images I provided are property of Fred Beeman with the exception of my profile photo taken by Robert Fee.