Vanessa Sorensen is a graphic artist whose work is influenced by her training in zoology. Vanessa studied black bear behavior to obtain her master's degree. She then worked as an exhibit designer for the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences where she was able to combine her interests in science an art. This inspired her to return to school to study art and design. She is the author of Zen Kitty and Zen Birds and is currently a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. Birds been a persistent and pervasive presence in Vanessa's life since her first ornithology class in college. Through years of living in the field and working at the museum, Vanessa learn the appearance, songs, behavior and habitat of many species of birds. She married an ornithologist, and the couple "nest" together in Ohio. His love of birds is contagious and a constant inspiration. Her affection for both (husband and birds) continues to grow through the years.