Alissa Thaler

Alissa Thaler – Designer

Illustrator specialising in vibrant covers for adult & children's fiction/non-fiction. Bloomsbury Publishing, The Guardian, The WSJ

Overview

Hi I'm Alissa, originally from the snowy slopes of the Italian Alps (think Ötzi) and now based in Banksy's hometown of Bristol, UK.


My work is influenced by a genuine love for people, animals, nature, and food. I create vibrant, heartfelt, and beautiful illustrations for book covers and internals that pop off the shelves. Always beaming with colour and textures reminiscing of paint rollers and pencils, my work fits a variety of markets – from fun or educative children's books to detective novels and cookbooks. Having worked extensively in editorial, I also have a knack for capturing emotions and ideas in intriguing visual concepts – and... transmitting the story of a book without any spoilers.


And – I absolutely think books are judged by their cover!


I'm also a polyglot. That means I can work with you on book covers for the English, German, Italian and Russian markets, and I'm familiar with cultural sensibilities in these language territories.


Aside from my work in illustration, I’ve had the honour of lending my creative voice to important issues like sustainability, activism, social justice, women’s health and rights, R&I, working with international development NGOs and pioneering social enterprises.


I hope my portfolio sparks joy and inspiration for you and I look forward to hearing about your project!

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
Fiction
Classics Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Cozy Mysteries Picture Books
Languages
English
Awards
  • Shortlisted for The World Illustration Awards 2024
  • Shortlisted for the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2023
Certifications
  • BA in Design and Arts

Work experience

Self-employed

Feb, 2020 — Present

Select clients include The Guardian Labs, British Medical Journal, Beer52, First Bus Group, Jenipher's Coffi, Red Bull, European Parliamentary Forum, DSW international, Vice

As an illustrator, I focus on editorial illustration and publishing. My work often features cityscapes and nature scenes, with characters that speak to adult and young audiences alike. I try to capture the quirky and delightful moments of magic in everyday situation.

As an animator I've worked with FTSE listed companies, NGOs and independent musicians, creating engaging and charming explainer and music videos.

Neo Creative

Jun, 2018 — Dec, 2023 (over 5 years)

As the Lead Designer at Neo I worked on numerous brand and communications projects for third sector clients like Logitech, Sport England, NHS, Frontline AIDS and Debt Justice. As part of my role I got to used a wide range of skills everyday, from concept, logo and brand guideline creation, to full brand rollouts, animation, and illustration.

Virtue / Vice DACH

Feb, 2017 — May, 2018 (over 1 year)

At Virtue, the creative agency by Vice, I worked on viral visual content and marketing campaigns for brands like McDonald's, Ikea, Birdseye, Three, and Lexus. I also got a taste for food photography which inspired my love for food illustration.

Strukt Vienna

Oct, 2015 — Oct, 2016 (about 1 year)

As a designer at Strukt I worked on a varied range of event branding and storyboards and 2D animation. I was also a junior UI trainee.

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