Vanessa Forte

Vanessa Forte – Designer

From board books to digital readers, I’ve illustrated 20+ books that focus on emotional expression and playful detail for early readers.

Overview

I’m a Montreal-based illustrator and art director with 8+ years of experience crafting joyful, engaging content for children’s media—from award-winning educational apps to playful toy packaging and published picture books.

My illustrations focus on expressive characters, storytelling clarity, and a sense of movement that comes from my background in animation and product design. I love creating artwork that sparks curiosity, supports early learning, and makes reading feel like play.

My process is collaborative and thoughtful: starting with character design and thumbnail sketches, then refining layouts, color, and final illustrations—including cover design and print-ready files. Whether it’s a giggling toddler or a curious animal sidekick, I aim to bring warmth and wonder to every page.

If you’re looking for a friendly, experienced illustrator who understands how to connect with kids and parents alike, I’d love to hear about your project

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English
Certifications
  • DEC in Illustration from Dawson College, Canada

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2016 — Present
Freelance book designer and illustrator.

WowWee

Aug, 2017 — Mar, 2021 (over 3 years)
Worked on the visual development of award-winning toys like Fingerlings and licensed products including Baby Shark and Paw Patrol—often collaborating directly with teams at Nickelodeon and other licensors. Created custom packaging on dielines, product mockups, and in-store displays. Also contributed to photo retouching, video editing, and social content for global campaigns.

Edoki Academy

Mar, 2017 — May, 2025 (about 8 years)
Led the brand identity visual development for several award-winning children’s apps including Montessori Preschool and I Love English. Oversaw illustration, animation, and game UX/UI across multiple platforms. Built out entire app experiences—from storyboard and asset design to polished animations and promotional campaigns. Collaborated with writers, educators, and developers to create cohesive learning experiences.

Vanessa has 9 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Donna B.

Donna B.

Oct, 2026

She was so amazing and answered every question. I loved everything she created and want to work with her again on my next book.
Sophie A.

Sophie A.

May, 2026

Excellent professional service.
Sophie A.

Sophie A.

May, 2026

Very professional service and very responsive.
Shyam S.

Shyam S.

Mar, 2026

As a first time author, Vanessa was a joy to work with, from start to finish. She was generous with her input (I had a lot of questions) and collaborative, while still honoring my vision and goals for the book. One area that I was especially impressed with was that Vanessa often took a concept or...
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Kathy B.

Kathy B.

Feb, 2026

Working with Vanessa was an absolute delight. This was my first illustrated children’s book, and she made the entire collaboration easy and enjoyable. She welcomed my ideas and used her exceptional talent to bring my vision to life in a way that exceeded my expectations. I was truly overjoyed wit...
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