Hello! Karen here...
I'm an illustrator working in a beautiful bayside town near Melbourne, Australia. My illustrations and designs focus on colour, character and story. Since 2011 I have been illustrating for children's book publishers and businesses. When I'm not drawing and designing I love to sew and cycle..
Here I am waffling on about myself and illustration projects in 2022
I can visit you …
I love visiting any group of people to talk about illustration. I have many years of teaching experience with children and young adults. Please contact me to discuss your plans
Meet me at the market!
Every month during the summer you'll find me at Emu Plains Market. It's the most stunning market on the Peninsula. Full of quality craft stalls and delicious food. Stroll under the gum trees and soak up the atmosphere. It's well worth the visit.
In the beginning...
In 2006, when my children were still babies, (they're huge now!) I returned to education at Chisholm TAFE to explore my love of art and drawing. I spent four years trying to learn how to draw well enough to illustrate children's books. During this time I enjoyed running a local art class and exhibiting at local art exhibitions. In 2011 I was approached by Hachette Children's Books to illustrate my first book.
Since that first contract, my career as an illustrator has been varied. I have illustrated around 20 children's picture books for many different publishers and organisations. My home surroundings and three busy children have always helped to give me ideas for scenes and characters.
Creativity and exploration have always been important to me. I started travelling at the age of 18, living in The Nederlands and Israel. After graduating I volunteered in Eritrea, East Africa for a year. I travelled on to Australia where I met my husband and returned to London. But the travelling didn't stop there. We lived in Africa with our first child before migrating permanently to Melbourne.
Where do I work?
I'm really lucky to be able to work from home. I have a small studio with a view of the garden. My dogs keep me company and I pop out to check on the chickens during my breaks. I also teach at Chisholm TAFE, where I originally studied illustration twelve years ago!
This illustration from ‘Eva’s Imagination’ also looks a lot like my office!