Siski Kalla - Designer
Experienced watercolour illustrator. Nature, children, food and travel. Charming, whimsical, joyful, cute. Children's books, book covers.
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Overview
I absolutely love working with art directors and directly with authors on their books. When a story and the characters resonate with me it makes the entire process seem like fun and I enjoy spending time in their 'world'. I especially enjoy illustrating quirky, sweet or funny characters, and I love illustrating animal characters too. Giving them personality is challenging but I enjoy that!
I've illustrated several children's books, creating magical imagery for I Love You This Much! for Wonderbly Publishing, and sweet, tender illustrations for I Don't Like Birthday Parties for Trigger Publishing, among others.
Character is key when I am creating art for children's books and I try to illustrate the story while allowing the art to create a narrative too. I use bright colours and especially light and shade to create atmospheric scenes and evoke emotions. When viewers look at my art I want them to be transported to another place, and to wish they could be inside one of my paintings. My passions are nature, animals, children, food and travel.
I've illustrated several children's books, creating magical imagery for I Love You This Much! for Wonderbly Publishing, and sweet, tender illustrations for I Don't Like Birthday Parties for Trigger Publishing, among others.
Character is key when I am creating art for children's books and I try to illustrate the story while allowing the art to create a narrative too. I use bright colours and especially light and shade to create atmospheric scenes and evoke emotions. When viewers look at my art I want them to be transported to another place, and to wish they could be inside one of my paintings. My passions are nature, animals, children, food and travel.
Services
Languages
English
Fiction
Chick Lit
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Certifications
- ICB: illustrating children's books, Lilla Rogers Illustration Agency
Work experience
Breathe, by Becky Hemsley
Self-employed
August, 2022
–
November, 2022
(3 months)
This exceptional and beautiful poem was a joy to work on. It's about a little girl (or boy! See below) who can't seem to 'be' what others expect her to be. When it gets too much, she heads to the forest to speak to the trees. And there, even though the trees don't answer back in words, she finds her happy place. I immediately connected with the message of the poem and it was wonderful to illustrate.
Available with a boy main character or girl, as well as children with different skin colours and hair.
When Moms Feel Great, then We Do Too!
Self-employed
March, 2022
–
August, 2022
(5 months)
Illustrations for this wonderful uplifting and humorous take on when a mother becomes unwell, and how positive thinking and helping her feel good will help everyone to feel better.
Where Do Spiders Come From?
Self-employed
January, 2022
–
May, 2022
(4 months)
A delightful imaginative rhyming story about a little girl who wonders where all the spiders in her home come from... and how to gently put them back outside! With a friendly spider hidden on every page for children to find!
Board books Go Team! and Get Set!
Self-employed
April, 2021
–
October, 2021
(6 months)
Various sports with young children enjoying them, with a lively rhyming text to encourage interest in sports at a young age.
Two children's books
Self-employed
July, 2020
–
November, 2020
(4 months)
Working with Mindy Weiss, celebrity wedding planner, on two stories she has written about a flower girl for a wedding, and a ringbearer boy. This has been one of the most lovely jobs I've had to date. Such a pleasure to illustrate! Mindy is a joy to work with.
Children's picture book
Self-employed
June, 2020
–
September, 2020
(3 months)
I'm just finishing illustrating a children's book for Trigger Publishing (imprint of UpsideDown Books). It's been wonderful working with the editor, Hannah, as we've collaborated on the composition and characters. It's a lovely story about a boy who doesn't like birthday parties and how he finds a happy solution to his problem.
Children's picture book
Self-employed
September, 2019
–
December, 2019
(3 months)
Colour illustrations for a new book by Wonderbly Publishing, called I Love You This Much! Such a wonderful experience working with this lovely team.
Children's illustrations for books, theatre and wall art
Self-employed
January, 2016
–
August, 2019
(over 3 years)
Illustrations for a series of children's picture books published by an author in arabic; set of illustrations that were projected as scenery for a musical performance in the theatre; ongoing commissions for wall art and textiles.
Siski has 11 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Siski was a sheer joy to work with. From day one, she understood the brief perfectly and, on the rare occasion that I wanted to make suggestions, she listened and took them on board. Her artistic work is exactly right for the genre, and the resulting cover design is so good that I keep it on my monitor, to give me the inspiration to keep writing. Wholeheartedly recommended.
Claire Nicholas, December 2022
Read more
Reply from Siski Kalla
Working with SIski Kalla was amazing, Siski was understanding of my communication difficulties and completing the project was a positive first experience for me! The completed cover illustration really took my book to the next level!
Elle Yoder, October 2022
Reply from Siski Kalla
Siski is has wonderful creative intuition and willingness to collaborate. I trust her vision for my book cover, and overall, I just find working with her such a pleasure.
Thank you, Siski!
Leonora Ross, August 2022
Reply from Siski Kalla
I could not imagine life without Siski. Her illustrations and artwork were perfect. She is responsive and helpful and so kind and just a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her to anyone and everyone!
chris plumley, April 2022
Reply from Siski Kalla
As ever, it's been an absolute delight to work with Siski. She illustrated some spot images of the characters from my upcoming book. Her talent, skill and positive attitude shines through in all of her art. Siski is very easy to work with. I look forward to our next collaboration.
Kathy Urban, April 2022
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Alan Heighton
Studied Graphic Design, got a First Class Degree but gravitated to Illustration as I thought illustration would be more Fun.
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Evgenia Malina
Hi there, I am an Illustrator based in the UK. I use both traditional and digital media. At the moment I take orders for April 2023.
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