Katie Risor – Designer

Hello!

**In 2024 I am NOT accepting picture books from self publishers. I am only open to middle-grade illustrations, covers, and book design!"

I’m a professional illustrator and author who loves all things weird, interesting, and whimsical. In my personal work, I’m all about creatures, hidden themes, and childhood adventures. I get a lot of inspiration from nature and animals, but I’m also kind of a history buff; I love to look at old books, architecture, and historical sights for unique inspiration. When I’m not painting or writing you can find me gardening, cooking, eating fancy cheese, going on walks, making specialized playlists, or looking for cool new restaurants to try. I grew up in San Antonio, Texas but I recently moved to Syracuse, New York with my partner and three cats. I'm currently working on my debut graphic novel with Andrews McMeel, tentatively set to release in 2025.

Professionally, I work on kidlit books, visual development, covers, advertising, product design, and book design. I also enjoy sharing and teaching the fun of creativity with others when I get the chance and geeking out about art supplies. You can see some of my tutorials on Tik Tok and Instagram.

Illustration Expertise:

Picture book and Middle Grade

Design Expertise:

Interior book formatting for KDP and Ingram etc

Picture book through YA

(I could format your interior file for an adult book, but please don't ask me to design a cover.)

Project Wishlist 2024

While I love picture books, I'm currently taking a break from indie picture books. Right now, I'd love to do more spot illustrations and covers for middle grade. I do not accept books with overtly religious themes or books that have a medical/hospital setting.

Fairy tale adaptations

Fantasy middle grade

Historical Middle grade

“weird” middle grade, similar in tone to A Series of Unfortunate Events

something like the Borrowers or The Doll People

Anything about Fairys, gnomes, goblins, etc, especially if it’s funny

books about trees or plants

books with a design-based “twist” a la Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

If Chris Grine needs help doing Animorphs…

Favorite picture books:

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

Where the Wild Things Are

Little Witch Hazel

A Pizza With Everything On It

Thunder pug

Graphic novels, middle grade, animation, and other stuff:

The Moomin books and comics by Tove Jansson

This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews

Be Prepared! by Vera Brosgol

The work of Hayao Miyazaki

The work of Brian Froud

Jim Henson and the Muppets

The work of James Gurney

Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones

Frog and Toad by Arnold Loebel