Step through. This is not just a collection of images—it’s a world waiting to be explored. Every piece is a doorway, every line a thread in a larger tapestry of myth, memory, and imagination.
"I work across mediums—ink, paint, mixed media, photographs—but all lead to the same destination: the art of storytelling. Whether through a single image or an unfolding narrative, my purpose is the same—to awaken, to transport, to ignite something ancient within the mind."
Welcome to Purple Inkwell Studios.
When the lines between salvation and control blur, and the very technology that promises liberation is wielded as a weapon of subjugation—how do you know if you’re truly free?
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Creator/Writer/Illustrator: April Martin
Step into the enchanting world of Ladybird Jenkins and the Time Themes, a groundbreaking transmedia adventure designed to captivate, educate, and inspire young readers ages 9-12. Blending steampunk aesthetics, thrilling time-travel escapades, and immersive storytelling, this innovative series invites readers on an unforgettable journey through history and imagination.
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In the luminous realms of Indovia, history isn’t merely stories from the past—it's the very foundation of reality itself. When a legendary artifact known as the Time Prism is stolen by the shadowy organization known as the Shadow Syndicate, the very integrity of historical knowledge is threatened. It’s up to Ladybird Jenkins, headmistress of the prestigious Indovian Academy, and her remarkable team of students and mentors to leap across time, solve intricate puzzles, and reclaim the stolen Prism before history is rewritten forever.
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Led by the brilliant and daring Ladybird Jenkins, this diverse and dynamic team includes the wise half-fox Professor Vulpes, the mechanically skilled Thompson Twins, inventive Ezra Finch, intuitive and compassionate Saffron, insightful autistic student Riley, and the enigmatic cybersecurity expert Professor Corvin. Each character contributes unique strengths and perspectives, reflecting themes of inclusion, teamwork, and courage.description
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Beyond its captivating narrative, Ladybird Jenkins and Time Thieves thoughtfully integrates modern themes of digital literacy, cybersecurity, and ethical responsibility. Young readers will not only enjoy the thrill of solving intricate puzzles and embarking on exhilarating adventures but also develop critical thinking and digital safety skills relevant to our contemporary world.
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This series celebrates creativity, diversity, and inclusivity, partnering with organizations such as The Hive to authentically represent neurodiverse perspectives. With opportunities for readers to showcase their own art, inventions, and storytelling, Ladybird Jenkins and the Time Thieves fosters an inclusive community bound by curiosity, respect, and imagination.
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Going beyond the page, the story plans to incorporates transmedia elements such as augmented reality features, reader-driven adventures, hidden-object pages, character diaries, and even DIY steampunk-themed activities. These interactive elements deepen reader engagement, allowing them to become active participants in Ladybird’s exciting universe.
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The Ladybird Jenkins series is envisioned as an educational adventure, each book deepening the exploration of digital literacy, cybersecurity, historical appreciation, and ethical responsibility:
Bridging historical exploration with futuristic vision, education with entertainment, and creativity with responsibility, Ladybird Jenkins promises readers a captivating, impactful, and award-worthy experience. Join Ladybird and her extraordinary team as they courageously protect our past, preserve our future, and inspire a generation.
Welcome to the extraordinary universe of Ladybird Jenkins—a place where every page holds endless possibilities, awaiting your discovery.
Ladybird Jenkins and the Time Thieves
(The Academy is breached. The Codex is compromised. A team forms to protect history before it's rewritten.)Ladybird Jenkins and the Prism Paradox
(Reality fractures as a second Codex is discovered—one that may not belong in this timeline.)Ladybird Jenkins and the Echoes of Tomorrow
(Temporal anomalies create ripple effects across the future—echoes that may destroy the team’s very memories.)Ladybird Jenkins and the Vault of Shadows
(The deepest secrets of the Academy are unearthed, revealing betrayals that challenge everything they believe.)Ladybird Jenkins and the Spiral Hourglass
(Time loops. Allies fall. And the true origin of the Codex is revealed in a final battle for the fate of all recorded knowledge.)
Characters Created by: Nathon Taulbee an member of the Hive Community in Bowling Green Ky.
Check out the origins story and the progression of this story with The Hive here:
Published Feature in Art Journaling Magazine
I was honored to have my work featured in Art Journaling magazine, where I had the opportunity to showcase my creative process, philosophy, and the deeply personal narratives embedded in my art.
This feature highlights my approach to mixed media, storytelling through layers, and the transformative power of art journaling—a practice that allows me to blend fine art, mythology, and raw emotion into tactile, immersive pieces.
Through this publication, I was able to share my insights on creative exploration, emotional expression, and the importance of embracing imperfection in the artistic journey. Being recognized in this space reaffirms my belief that art is more than just an aesthetic—it is a vessel for self-discovery and connection.
This feature is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and the magic that happens when we allow our imagination to take shape on the page.
Published Feature in FAE Magazine
I had the honor of having my photography featured in FAE Magazine (Faeries and Enchantment), a publication dedicated to the world of fantasy, myth, and magical storytelling.
This feature, titled “Ella Enchanted,” captures a dreamlike, ethereal aesthetic—blending fine art photography with storytelling elements that transport the viewer into a mystical realm. Through carefully curated props, textures, and lighting, this series evokes the delicate balance between beauty and mystery, innocence and the unknown.
The shoot, inspired by fairy lore, nature’s enchantment, and the timeless allure of fantasy, was an exploration of how art can act as a portal to another world. Featuring handcrafted floral crowns, intricate costumes, and organic set design, every detail was designed to immerse the viewer in a fairytale dreamscape.
✨ Seeing this work in print solidifies my passion for visual storytelling—bridging myth, photography, and artistic narrative into something unforgettable.
