Lily Uivel

Lily Uivel – Designer

Award winning picture book illustrator. Published with Penguin and Scholastic.

Overview

I am a trade-published freelance illustrator based in Wellington, New Zealand. Some of my recent publishing clients include Penguin Books (Puffin), Scholastic, University of Queensland Press, Little Love Books and Ethicool Books.

I love receiving manuscripts and am always open to considering new projects.

I work primarily digitally, using naturalistic texture and wash effects to bring warmth and liveliness to my work.

I work through a process of communication and collaboration with publishers, art directors and authors to build the world for a story to live in.

I am currently most interested in working on picture books for children ages 0-7. I love stories that explore unique concepts for young minds.

I would currently have a particular interest in a manuscript following non-human characters... Robots, animals, aliens, fantasy creatures... surprise me!

I graduated from Elam School of Fine Arts in 2015 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours). Since then I have worked across multiple creative industries, including advertising, design and the film industry, improving my craft and versatility. I am always open to discussing your project!

Some things to note before getting in touch...

You will need to have a fully edited and paginated manuscript for me to read and consider, and to either find a book designer or have the ability to format the book yourself in preparation for print.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English
Awards
  • The Children's Book of the Year Awards; Notable Book 2023 from The Childrens Book Council of Australia for The Wintrish Girl, by Melanie La'Brooy
  • 2023 Storylines Notable Book Award for Once Upon a Wickedness, written by Fleur Beale, published by Penguin Randomhouse NZ
  • Shortlisting for the 2024 Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for Te Pīkari Pipi (Pipi Dance) By Angie Belcher, Published by Scholastic
Certifications
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons)

Work experience

Self-employed

Oct, 2022 — Dec, 2022 (2 months)

Self-employed

Sep, 2022 — Present

Self-employed

Feb, 2018 — Present

Portfolio

Pipi Dance / Te Pikari Pipi (Maori Edition)

Angie Belcher

Scholastic New Zealand Limited

Illustration
Illustration
Illustration
Lulu and the Dance Detectives #3: The Doggy Disco Hoax

Sutton, Sally

Penguin eBooks (NZ Juvenile)

Illustration
An all-you-can-eat restaurant, a swinging country and western dance, and a mystery to solve for the Dance Detectives! Lulu and the Silver Star Dancers have an exciting gig dancing at the Raven... read more
Illustration
The Wintrish Girl

Melanie La’Brooy

On Talisman Day in Arylia, every child receives an object that gives them special powers and reveals their destiny. Every child except for the Wintrish girl, Penn, that is. There' s no need fo... read more
Illustration
Illustration
Illustration
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography

Lily has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kay S.

Kay S.

Jul, 2024

Working with Lily was wonderful from start to finish. Communication was excellent, and that included getting WIPs to look over at every major stage in the process. The finished covers were stellar; she really brought my books to life, and even the first WIPs perfectly encapsulated the major chara...
Read more
Phillip H.

Phillip H.

Apr, 2024

Lily Uivel was great to work with and very helpful. She understood the scope of my project and designed an awesome book cover for THE FOUR PENDANTS. Would highly recommend!
Lily U.
Thanks Phillip!
Tempest E.

Tempest E.

Feb, 2024

I loved working with Lily. She worked patiently with me on the cover design. I was nervous about trusting someone with my crazy idea, but she managed to bring my vision to light, and it's beautiful. I will be going back.
Lily U.
Thank you! It was a pleasure working with you 😀
Craig S.

Craig S.

Nov, 2023

Working with Lily was very easy. She quickly understood where I was coming from and what I wanted. I am delighted with the result. She is very talented and I would definitely recommend her.
Lily U.
Thanks Craig, It was great working with you!
Taylor P.

Taylor P.

Sep, 2023

Lily did amazing work. She took the time to read the book first and then came forward with her ideas and design which were fantastic. She is a superior artist and had incredible advice throughout the process. Finally, she was very professional but at the same time empathetic to my needs as an ...
Read more
Lily U.
Thanks Taylor!

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