He employs a unique mixed-media technique using acrylic paint, cut paper, and tissue paper to bring a variety of subjects to life. Each image is emotion-filled, reflecting the artist's passion for representing life. Ladd creates picture books and editorial illustrations for print media and community-based murals. He was honored with an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the State University of New York and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. He was also a finalist for the World Illustration Awards and received recognition from several organizations, including the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, and the American Library Association. Ladd aims to establish a visual arts community center for lower-income families to engage in artistic activities in a fun and creative environment.

Clients

Bloomsbury, Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Holiday House, Knopf, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Philomel Books, Rise Books, Just Us Books, Disney/Hyperion, Charlesbridge Publishing, Lee & Low Books, Scholastic Press, Marshall Cavendish/Two Lions, Scientific American, New York Times, LA Times, Washington Post, American Educator, National Labor Federation, Syracuse International Film Festival, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill

Recognition

Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts Degree from the State University of New York,  Society for News Design Award of Excellence, Academia Norteameriana de Lengua Espanol Award, Jane Addams Peace Foundation Children’s Book Award Finalist, World Illustration Awards Shortlist, Bank Street College of Education - Best Children’s Books, Communication Arts, American Illustration, 54th NAACP Image Awards Nominee, Society of Illustrators Annual 65, Kirkus Reviews - Best Picture Book List, Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, Society of Illustrators-LA Illustration West, Carter G. Woodson Book Honor, Parent’s Choice Silver Medal, ALA Notable Children’s Book, NYPL Children’s Book Recommendation, ALA Carnegie Medal of Excellence, Junior Library Guild

Education

• B.F.A., M.F.A., Syracuse University