The Journal of the San Juans, Islands’ Sounder and Islands’ Weekly welcome a new graphic artist to the team: Tate Thomson.

She grew up in McCleary, Washington surrounded by farm animals, evergreen trees and cloudy skies.

From an early age, Tate grew fond of observing the natural world, and it inspired her creativity. She studied creative writing and environmental issues at Evergreen State College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.

After college she pursued travel and animal sanctuaries, volunteering her time at rescue facilities around the globe. She came to San Juan Island for an internship with Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The animals, landscape and people on the island made her feel at home, and she kept returning for the summers.

She was thrilled to join the local newspapers as a graphic artist and is now a full-time islander on San Juan. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, photography, studying natural history, and occasionally takes on freelance graphic design jobs, including illustrating children’s books. To contact Thomson, email tthomson@sanjuanjournal.com or call 378-5696.