Nicole Hammerl

Nicole Hammerl – Designer

Children’s book illustrator specializing in soft, emotional watercolor imagery to tell your story and create a strong sense of atmosphere.

Overview

I am a children’s book illustrator specializing in soft, emotional watercolor imagery that supports storytelling and creates a strong sense of atmosphere.

My work is particularly suited for picture books that explore gentle, sensitive, or nature-centered themes. I focus on creating cohesive visual narratives, where characters, environments, and pacing work together to bring the story to life.

I work both traditionally in watercolor and digitally in a watercolor style, combining delicate color transitions with careful composition and attention to detail. My illustrations often feature children, animals, and quiet moments that invite the reader to pause and connect emotionally with the story.

From the first sketches to the final artwork, I guide authors through the full illustration process — including character development, scene planning, and visual storytelling across spreads. I value clear communication and a collaborative workflow to ensure the final book feels cohesive and true to the story.

Services
Non-Fiction
Nature
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2026 — Present
I create cover designs for children's and young adult literature that explore sensitive, emotional, and nature-inspired themes. My focus is on depicting emotional worlds and creating a unique atmosphere. You can find a selection of my covers in my portfolio.

Self-employed

Jul, 2025 — Mar, 2026 (9 months)
I created illustrations for an adventurous horse story published by Renate Götz Verlag. Tucci, a little gelding, moves to a new farm and embarks on a great new adventure. Together with his new friends—the clever Gina, the laid-back Toni, and the perpetually hungry Tim—he discovers a world full of fun, surprises, and little challenges.

selfpublished with Astrid Schnedl

Oct, 2024 — May, 2025 (8 months)
Created illustrations for a heartwarming children's book about coping with grief. Through the story of Lotta's loss of her horse, the illustrations help young readers explore their feelings and learn how to cope with grief, grow from the experience, and make new friends.

Portfolio

Lottas Schutzengel kann wiehern

Astrid Schnedl

BoD – Books on Demand

'Lottas Schutzengel kann wiehern' ist ein liebevolles Trostbuch für Kinder und Familien. Lotta vermisst ihr geliebtes Pony Bella. Als Bella stirbt, beginnt für Lotta eine Reise durch große Gef... read more
Illustration

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