It was a double whammy a few years ago when Wal-Mart started distributing Bagley's products. Although it helped the books reach a wider audience, it also lowered the price the publisher paid for them.

Timing has been a key factor in Bagley's success.

"(I came in) at the right time. Ten years ago board books were not really around. With the China connection, it's affordable for us to do," he said. "I feel fortunate to do this for a living, because I don't know anybody else in the LDS market who does what I do full time." In addition to the work he does for Covenant, Bagley is a contributing artist for both The New Era and The Friend, LDS magazines for teens and children, respectively. He also works for the Nightmare on 13th Haunted House in Salt Lake City and has a handful of clients for whom he regularly provides illustrations.

Hearing positive feedback from satisfied customers is one of Bagley's favorite things.

"I just love when so many people tell me what an influence my books have on their children," he said. One of Bagley's neighbors has an autistic son who loves his books. The family keeps them locked up in a cabinet. One day the son figured out how to open the cabinet, and when his parents came into the room, he had all the books open to his favorite pages.

Bagley said people often mistake him for Pat Bagley, the illustrator for the Salt Lake Tribune.

"I've had people bring me his books to autograph and stuff, but we're not related. We just have the same last name," he said. "It's frustrating, because I get compliments, and I don't know if they're for me or for him. I think it's usually half for me and half for him."

It isn't really possible to be diplomatic when correcting someone who brings Bagley one of Pat's books to autograph, so Bagley says he usually lets it slide, but it's frustrating all the same.

Bagley said his wife, Ruth, has always been supportive of his artistic pursuits, even when the going got tough.

"One day when I was worried about not making enough money and wondered if I should get a real job, she said, 'You can't quit — you're living the American dream'," Bagley said. "I'm doing what I love to do at home, and I get to do that. It's hard for her because she's the one who pays our bills every month."

Despite the hardships, Bagley says he loves his profession and plans to continue doing it for as long as he can.

"I don't draw for fun, but it's fun to draw. I like that it's my job," he said. "I'm so, so fortunate. It's amazing I get to do this for a living."

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E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com