My name is Elizabeth Jane Mary Hurlbut. I am not Deaf, I am Hearing, and I love American Sign Language. I am a Professional Graphic Artist, Creative Writer, and Cartoonist.
I have experience and training in multiple fields of graphic design and illustration. I have published work in Advertisements, Awards, Books, Buttons, Business Cards, Greeting Cards, Comics, Flyers, Logos, Magazine Covers, Photo Imaging, Wall Murals, and Web Design, both in print and digital. My sign language education began in High School, and I’ve been lucky enough to continue my studies with certified ASL instructors in College, University, and Canadian Hearing Services (CHS). I started these cartoon illustrations to practice and store my class lessons, putting my love of American Sign Language into every picture. When my ASL teacher, Charlie McKelvey, told me to make a book, I created this dictionary, my largest art project.

How is your book different?

Everyday I meet someone who tells me they are interested in Sign language but feel it would be too hard to learn. Many ASL dictionaries are designed more for students deep into their studies, so new users can feel intimidated by all there is to learn. The friendly cartoons of my book make a welcome introduction to ASL, allowing readers to enjoy themselves as they gain confidence in taking the next steps in learning this beautiful visual language. The coloured cartoon illustrations of my ASL Dictionary give it a distinctive look, making it visually stand out against other dictionaries.