Brad Sneed was brought up on a farm in Newton, KS, which provided a rich start for the young artist. He used objects around the family farm as themes for his art and referenced animals and other farm equipment as inspiration for his drawings and paintings. Sneed had varied childhood interests and speaks often about his enjoyment of sports, particularly football. He relates deep enjoyment playing games with his sister, outside in the yard. Many of his illustrations reflect this rural childhood on the farm, its images and pleasures.
Shortly after high school Sneed, determined to make a career out of his artwork, pursued a degree in art at the University of Kansas. During his junior year in an illustration class Sneed had an epiphany: he wanted to draw illustrations for children’s books. He enjoyed the creative freedom that drawing and illustrating children’s books gave him. His first commission came from Dial Books for Grandpa’s Song by Tony Johnston. A string of successes has followed, including Cock-A-Doodle-Doo, Creak, Pop-Pop, Moo by Jim Aylesworth and When the Wind Blows by Stacy Clark. He has also written and illustrated his own books, including the wonderful wordless alphabet book, Picture a Letter. Sneed lives and works in Prairie Village, KS.