I am a South African born children's book illustrator (who loves to write stories) based in Sydney, Australia.
I started out my creative career as a designer/art director in advertising in Cape Town, South Africa. After a decade or so of corporate life, I completed a BA Honours Degree in Illustration in Bristol, England and began freelancing. Most of my published illustration work has been editorial but when the pandemic hit in 2020 I pivoted and started working on my children's book portfolio. I have been awarded illustration prizes in each year since and have two books under my belt.
My very first picture book as an illustrator was published in 2023. "Fun in the Sun" is set at Balmoral Beach and written by Sydney dermatologist Dr Annika Smith, it is endorsed by the Cancer Council and Melanoma Institute Australia.
My second picture book “Running with Wings” was written by renowned sports journalist Sam Squiers and published by New Frontier. It was released in 2024 in Australia and the UK. Written in consultation with the CP Alliance it features a main character with cerebral palsy. It is a great book about friendship, inclusion, sport and being the best you can be.
I recently came first in the “published” category of the CYA Illustrator Awards 2024. (I have previously won three CYA Illustrator Awards and one NEWC Illustration Prize.)
As an illustrator I love sharing my passion with young minds. I have done readings in bookshops and festivals, delivered talks and created workshops in schools for children from kindergarten to high school.
I love creating playful, colourful digital illustrations with a traditional and textural feel.
AWARDS - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS
CYA Illustration Award 2024 - 1st place in Published Illustrators.
CYA Illustration Award 2023 - 3rd place in Aspiring Illustrators.
New England Writers Centre Illustration Prize 2022 "Highly Commended"
CYA All Stars Illustration Award 2021 - 2nd place in Aspiring Illustrators.
New Frontier Publishing, Little Steps Publishing.
Gourmet Traveller, Cosmopolitan, Runners World, Nike, Red Bull, Taronga Zoo, Coleman, Optus, Cirque du Soleil, S26 Gold Formula, RedBubble, AfrikaBurn, New Holland Publishers, M-Web, Kfm Radio, Musica, Fair Lady, Sterns Jewellery and Woman's Value amongst others.
I have illustrated for children's picture books, magazines, print campaigns, point-of-sale, storyboards, logos, packaging, the web and in animation for TV commercials. I have also been published in a home decorating book, painted numerous murals and one life size rhino.
SKILLS
Illustration analogue and digital, Art Direction, Design.
(Using Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign)
(Using Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Children's Picture Book Illustrator
2020 onwards - Sydney, Australia
2020 onwards - Sydney, Australia
Freelance Illustrator
2014 - 2019 Sydney, Australia
2014 - 2019 Sydney, Australia
(BA Honours Degree in Illustration and had a couple of kids!)
2007 - 2013 United Kingdom and Australia
2007 - 2013 United Kingdom and Australia
Freelance Art Director/Designer
2005 - 2006 Bath, United Kingdom
2005 - 2006 Bath, United Kingdom
Art Director, MC Saatchi
2003 - 2004 Sydney, Australia
2003 - 2004 Sydney, Australia
Designer, Mason Zimbler Ltd
2001 - 2002 Bristol, United Kingdom
Designer and Illustrator, The Jupiter Drawing Room
1998 - 2000 Cape Town, South Africa
2001 - 2002 Bristol, United Kingdom
Designer and Illustrator, The Jupiter Drawing Room
1998 - 2000 Cape Town, South Africa
Art Director, J. Walter Thompson
1996 - 1998 Cape Town, South Africa
1996 - 1998 Cape Town, South Africa
Illustrator, Cosmopolitan Magazine
1998 - 1999 Cape Town, South Africa
1998 - 1999 Cape Town, South Africa
Illustrator, Runner's World Magazine
1996 - 1999 Cape Town, South Africa
1996 - 1999 Cape Town, South Africa
Illustrator, Fair Lady Magazine
1995 - 1999 Cape Town, South Africa
1995 - 1999 Cape Town, South Africa
Illustrator, Woman's Value Magazine
1996 - 1997 Cape Town, South Africa
1996 - 1997 Cape Town, South Africa
EDUCATION
BA Honours Degree in Illustration
University Of The West Of England
2005 - 2007 Bristol, United Kingdom
University Of The West Of England
2005 - 2007 Bristol, United Kingdom
National Diploma, Graphic Design (2nd Major Illustration)
Cape Peninsula University Of Technology
1993 - 1994 Cape Town, South Africa
Foundation year in Art, Graphic Design
University Of Stellenbosch
1992 - 1993 Stellenbosch, South Africa
Cape Peninsula University Of Technology
1993 - 1994 Cape Town, South Africa
Foundation year in Art, Graphic Design
University Of Stellenbosch
1992 - 1993 Stellenbosch, South Africa
Matriculated with an "A" in both Art Theory and Art Practical,
won the Art Prize.
Fairmont High School
1987 - 1991 Cape Town, South Africa
won the Art Prize.
Fairmont High School
1987 - 1991 Cape Town, South Africa
REFERENCE LETTERS
Note: Volpert was my maiden name