Hello — I’m Renata

I’m a self-taught illustrator, living in a cosy little town in the heart of the Lake District, UK. I grew up in rural Transylvania, where I developed a deep love for nature and today that love flows into my work. I’m also a mum of two little boys and family life, and the natural world inspires my work. We love books in this house and we still read bedtime stories every day together.

I studied theatre history and playwriting at university, but my art journey has never followed a conventional path. Painting and drawing have always been my refuge, especially as a child, who was often poorly. Reading and drawing every day was a lifeline for me then... and now it remains the way I shape the world I imagine, the things I cherish, the gentle stories waiting to be told.

Through daily drawing practice and experimenting with mixed media I build little worlds full of warmth, wonder, and quiet joy. I believe illustration can be a safe place for children’s imaginations.

My Artistic Voice & What I Bring to Children’s Publishing

I’m not coming from a traditional fine-arts background, I built my own style through years of practicing and teaching myself. My art portrays real rhythms of childhood, family and simple everyday magic. I think that kind of authenticity often resonates deeply with children’s book audiences.

Nature-rooted whimsy & warmth
Heartfelt storytelling sensibility
Flexible, mixed-media techniques
Authenticity of lived experience
Collaborative and open-minded approach
Constantly learning more and improving my art

Tools, mediums and style Notes

Watercolour
Gouache
Colour pencil
Ink & graphite
Digital editing for layout consistency
Mixed-media textures

Tone: soft, warm, nature-infused, gentle storytelling
Themes: childhood, wonder, belonging, imagination, forest, comfort, small adventures

Why I’m Interested in Children’s Book Work

Since I draw from my own memories of childhood — of hospital room days filled with crayons and hope, of forest walks, of bedtime stories and cosy corners — I believe strongly that children’s books can be gentle, comforting, magical places for young readers.

As a parent, I know how much children respond to softness and sincerity: they don’t need polish or trendy styles, they need heart. I want my illustrations to be a safe door into wonder, imagination, and kindness.

Also — because I’m self-taught, because I’ve grown my style over years of quiet practice — I bring an openness and flexibility. I’m ready to learn, to adapt, to collaborate. I care about the story more than the style. I care about the child reading the book more than anything.

If you have a manuscript, a sketch of a story, or even just a feeling — a wish to share a little wonder with young readers — I’d love to help bring it to life.

MY PORTFOLIO

I’m open for:

Picture book illustration
Cover illustration
Character design
Spot and vignette art for chapter books
Editorial illustration for children’s magazines
Personal commissions related to children’s literature

Turnaround & collaboration style:

I am a self-taught illustrator, currently seeking debut publishing opportunities and open to creative collaboration. Open to new concepts and picture-book development.

I value open communication, kindness and care in every project.
Deadlines matter — and I work steadily and thoughtfully from first sketches to final pages.