Picture an illustrator who turned grumpy one-star reviews into a love letter to America’s national parks—meet Amber Share! With her sharp wit and vibrant artwork, Share transformed the Subpar Parks Instagram series into a New York Times bestselling book, blending humor, art, and a deep love for the outdoors. Her unique ability to pair stunning park illustrations with hilariously absurd complaints has made her a standout voice in celebrating nature’s beauty.
From her childhood awe at the Grand Canyon to her full-time career as an illustrator, Share’s journey is one of creativity and connection to the wild. Her work invites readers to laugh at the absurd while rediscovering the magic of the great outdoors.
The Making of Amber Share
Amber Share’s love for national parks began at age 10, when the Grand Canyon’s vastness left her awestruck. Growing up with a passion for art, she pursued a degree in advertising with a minor in art at the University of Nebraska, graduating in 2010. Her early career as a graphic designer honed her skills in hand-lettering and illustration, but her heart remained in the outdoors—hiking, backpacking, and soaking in nature’s wonders. This blend of creativity and adventure set the stage for her breakout project, Subpar Parks.
Initially a side hustle, Share’s illustration work took a leap during the 2019 pandemic. Stumbling across one-star park reviews on Reddit, she found her spark: why not pair these absurd complaints with her art? The result was a viral Instagram account that turned negativity into celebration, showcasing her knack for humor and design.
Amber Share’s Unforgettable Creations
Share’s flagship work, Subpar Parks: America’s Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors (2021), is a vibrant tribute to the U.S. National Park System. The book pairs her colorful, poster-style illustrations with real one-star reviews, like Yellowstone’s “Save yourself some money, boil some water at home” or Joshua Tree’s “It’s just a desert.” With over 50% new content, it offers park histories, ranger anecdotes, and Share’s personal reflections, making it both hilarious and informative.
In 2024, Share expanded her vision with Subpar Planet: The World’s Most Celebrated Landmarks and Their Most Disappointed Visitors. This sequel takes readers global, spotlighting landmarks like the Taj Mahal (“Just a fancy tomb”) and the Dead Sea (“Who needs burning eyes?”). Her bold colors and witty captions shine, blending satire with travel inspiration. Share also created Subpar Parks Postcards (2022), a collection of 22 park illustrations, perfect for fans to share her art IRL.
Her style is unmistakable: crisp, vibrant illustrations paired with sarcastic humor and a deep reverence for nature. Whether it’s a puzzle of all 63 national parks or a cheeky planner, Share’s work sparks joy and conversation, encouraging readers to see the world through a lens of wonder and laughter.
Why Amber Share Matters
Amber Share’s impact lies in her ability to transform negativity into positivity. By highlighting the absurdity of one-star reviews, she not only entertains but also deepens appreciation for natural wonders. Her work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times, NPR, and The Washington Post, earning her a loyal following of outdoor enthusiasts and humor lovers. Share’s donations to the National Park Foundation further amplify her commitment to preserving these treasures.
Beyond art, Share inspires creatives to embrace their passions. Her journey from graphic designer to full-time illustrator shows the power of blending personal interests with professional pursuits. For readers, her books are both a chuckle and a call to explore the outdoors with open hearts.
- Born: Unknown, but active in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Key Works: Subpar Parks (2021), Subpar Planet (2024), Subpar Parks Postcards (2022)
- Notable Recognition: New York Times Bestseller, Goodreads Choice Awards Humor Finalist (2021)
Ready to laugh and rediscover nature’s wonders? Grab Subpar Parks and dive into Amber Share’s hilarious, heartfelt world!