Alan Miller illustrated a coloring book about the life of Summerlin Sam, the jackrabbit mascot of the Summerlin community, nearly a decade ago. At the time, Miller was a 15-year-old student at Cimarron-Memorial High School. These days, he attends Brigham Young University.
Miller's artistic ability was first noticed by judges of a "Why I Love Summerlin" art contest, an annual competition in recognition of Valentine's Day. He placed first in his age group, and was later contacted by the Summerlin Children's Forum to illustrate the 16-page coloring book.
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"The coloring book was my first freelance job and it significantly enhanced my confidence as an artist," said Miller, who plans to graduate in December. "It expanded my comfort zone, helping me feel comfortable in accepting additional freelance illustration jobs. It also motivated me to take many design and illustration college courses that have challenged my skills and creativity. I've always enjoyed design work and hope to do it throughout my life."
Thousands of people have enjoyed the book, according to Randy Ecklund, executive director of the Forum.
"Tapping into the exceptional talent of a young artist living right here in the community was ideal for the coloring book," Ecklund, said. "We wanted youth to be involved in the project as much as possible, since they were the benefactors of the proceeds. Alan's involvement made the project that much more meaningful since the book is truly for and about Summerlin kids."
The book tells the story of a jackrabbit who aspires to have friends and to be like Summerlin children who spend their days playing in the parks, riding their bikes and going to school.
Summerlin Sam has since become an integral part of the community with his frequent appearances at special events and his monthly children's book reviews in the community's newsletter.
