Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Whimsical worlds, full of warmth, wonder and movement.
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
My paint tins. I have one that holds my signature colours as well as a larger storage tin, that holds random accent pans.
I then add one or two fresh colours to my signature tin, depending on the project.
What items are an essential part of your creative space?
My old brushes, I know how they respond, no guessing or unwanted surprises and my draft board which angles my sketches and avoids the perspective being skewed. Graphite is my all time favourite and 'Winsor and Newton' watercolours with hints of coloured pencil.
Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Shaun Tan, David Litchfield and Freya Blackwood. WOW!
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
1920’s 1930’s, Art Deco. I love the clean lines, geometric shapes and sophisticated feel in both architecture and artwork.
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
My fiancé Greg and my Dad. I remember a very clear conversation one evening and a bop on the head from my dad. What was I waiting for!
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
My fiancé Greg and my Dad. I remember a very clear conversation one evening and a bop on the head from my dad. What was I waiting for!
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
Welcome to my studio space. I have a computer section for scanning/editing, emailing and promoting.
My Illustration desk, which is large enough to hold all my art materials.
A cosy writing nook along the wall, a couple of bookshelves to hold extra materials, books and knick-knacks.
A' Tall boy' to store work and spread upcoming projects on the top. And a trestle for drying and referencing my current PB/project I am working on.
With just enough space for my four fur babies to keep me company.
What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
Outlining, shading and finessing. The thinking is pretty much done and I can relax into the artwork and watch it come to life.
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Immerse yourself in the kid lit world. Ask heaps of questions and have a plan to help move yourself forward in the industry.
Elizabeth Misek is an award winning illustrator, wife to be, and mum who’s been drawing since her hands could first grasp coloured pencils. Winner of the 2023 New England Prize for Picture Books, Her debut ‘Picture book’ written by Chantel Volker, will be out later this year. Followed by an EK contract with author Jess Galatola.
Immerse yourself in the kid lit world. Ask heaps of questions and have a plan to help move yourself forward in the industry.
Elizabeth Misek is an award winning illustrator, wife to be, and mum who’s been drawing since her hands could first grasp coloured pencils. Winner of the 2023 New England Prize for Picture Books, Her debut ‘Picture book’ written by Chantel Volker, will be out later this year. Followed by an EK contract with author Jess Galatola.
Headshot by Fields Of Clover Photography.