Sasha Zelenkevich

Sasha Zelenkevich – Designer

Hand-drawn, nature-inspired illustrations for children’s books. Whimsical art that captures emotion and the magic of storytelling.

Overview

I love bringing stories to life, helping young readers explore new worlds, and inspiring them with magic and wonder. For me, illustration is a collaboration between two dreamers — I listen carefully to your ideas and transform them into images that spark the imagination. Let’s work together to create something beautiful and meaningful for your story or brand.

What I offer:

Children’s book illustrations – from cover art to fully illustrated interiors, crafted with care and attention to detail.

Character design – expressive, memorable characters that connect with readers.

Eye-catching covers – designed to stand out on Amazon, in bookstores, and at fairs.

Nature-inspired scenes – flora, fauna, and landscapes in harmonious, soft color palettes.

If you’re looking to turn your story into a book that children will love to read and cherish, I’d be delighted to illustrate it for you.

Author Feedback:

“Barry the Offbeat Bear – Book Illustrations” (Feb 17, 2024 – Mar 25, 2025)

“Sasha is simply the best! She is creative, communicative, professional, and passionate about her work! We’ve worked on two book projects together, and I can’t wait for the next one!” — Upwork

“Itsy Bitsy Blues – Draft Illustrations” (Aug 24, 2023 – Feb 17, 2024)

“Incredible artist with stellar communication skills and professionalism!”

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English
Awards
  • Bice Bugatti – Giovanni Segantini Award 2007 – Awarded Artist, Nova Milanese.
Certifications
  • Master’s Degree in Fine Arts, Academy of Fine Arts of Naples
  • Master’s Degree in Museum Education (First Level) Università Suor Orsola Benincasa, Naples, Italy. Specialized in museum education, cultural mediation, and educational program design. Developed skills in creating engaging learning experiences and educational content for diverse audiences.
  • Collective Exhibition “Italian Pavilion”, 54th Venice Biennale, 2011
  • Solo Exhibition “Epiphanies”, Galleria Zamenhof. Milan, 2015
  • Collective Exhibition “Memory Box”, Fondi (LT) / Palazzo Zenobio, Venice, 2015
  • Collective Exhibition “Don’t Bite Me”, Fondazione Made In Cloister. Naples, 2019
  • Collective Exhibition “Sette opere per la misericordia”, Palazzo Zapata. Naples, 2019 – Exhibition of the finalists of the Pio Monte della Misericordia Foundation award.

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2020 — Present
Since 2018, I have been working as a freelance illustrator specializing in children’s books, collaborating with authors, publishers, and educational organizations from Italy, the USA, and Australia. My projects span picture books, educational titles, and nature-themed stories, always blending traditional watercolor with digital techniques to create warm, engaging visuals. Selected works include: ‘Na Karla Natíchòò dèè – The Story of Na Karla (University of Louisville, KY, USA) – intercultural, trilingual children’s book aimed at preserving indigenous language and culture. Library For All (Australia) – created illustrations for educational picture books distributed globally to promote literacy in underserved communities. Multiple self-published picture books now available on Amazon and in bookstores worldwide. Covers and interior illustrations for independent authors, ensuring publication-ready layouts for both print and e-book formats. This diverse experience has honed my skills in visual storytelling, cross-cultural collaboration, and delivering high-quality illustrations that resonate with young readers and their families.

Portfolio

No Limits to Being Lainie: Children's Book About Self-Confidence, Being Yourself, and Reaching Your Dreams

Press, Pure Awesome

Cover Design Illustration
Well-Mannered Alexander: Children's Book About Courtesy, Politeness, and Good Behavior

Press, Pure Awesome

Cover Design Illustration
A Guide to Being a Kind Kid: Children's Book About Kindness, Empathy, and Compassion

Press, Pure Awesome

Cover Design Illustration
I Love You More Than You Know: A Heartwarming Bedtime Story for Children

Coconut, Plum

Plum Coconut

Cover Design Illustration
At Night - Iha Kalan (Tetum Edition)

Walsh, Mayra

Library for All

Illustration
Pindi's Present

Wanasundera, Michelle

Library for All

Illustration
Itsy Bitsy Blues: The Untold Story of a Very Famous Spider (Rhythm Rhyme Series of Books)

Holland, Dave

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Barry the Off-Beat Bear

Dave Holland

Rhythm Rhyme Series

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Three Friends - Три друга (Ukrainian Edition)

Kuzhdina, Olga

Library for All

Illustration
Amina's Rat Race

Cain Gray, Lara

Library for All

Illustration

Sasha has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ali B.

Ali B.

Nov, 2025

Sasha was professional and timely throughout our collaboration on test illustrations for a children's picture book. She delivered work on schedule and went above and beyond by creating the first two-page spread at no charge, which turned out quite nicely. While the character depictions didn't ful...
Read more
Robin O.

Robin O.

Oct, 2025

Sasha is an incredible illustrator to work with; she's creative, reliable, and talented. If it weren't for a serious medical diagnosis, I'd happily continue collaborating with her.

Most recent contributions

Can you share your process for balancing creativity with an author's asks?

For me, an illustrated book is always the result of a constant dialogue with the author. It is a true collaboration—like performing a piano piece four hands. At the beginning, I listen carefully to their ideas, wishes, and the needs of the story. Then I allow space for my own creativity, offering...
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What sources of inspiration do you turn to when creating book covers?

The starting point is always the story. Then comes the world around me: the September breeze, the open window, the neighbor hanging laundry, the child running along the beach, and the shapes of his movements, my cats, the people I observe, the shifting colors of nature. Afterwards, I turn to refe...
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What, in your opinion, is most important to remember when illustrating for children's books?

A children’s book should above all spark the imagination: it’s not a mere visual translation of the words, but a parallel world that lives in harmony with the text. Illustrations should spark curiosity, invite questions, and go beyond rules and conventions. They should open windows onto unexplore...
Read more

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