Working in watercolour and pencil, I build each illustrated world from the ground up, drawing on the author’s words and tone to shape its characters, settings and atmosphere.

I find inspiration in everyday textures, patterns and objects, reimagining their shapes and details in playful, abstract ways. Sometimes they spark an entirely new idea; other times, they become the starting point for a design of my own.

Current Projects

• Picture book with Sarah Gentle — written by Sarah Gentle, illustrated by Elizabeth Misek. Self-published, due early 2027.

• Picture book with Sarah Montgomery — written by Sarah Montgomery, illustrated by Elizabeth Misek. Self-published, due early 2027.

• Picture book with Jess Galatola — written by Jess Galatola, illustrated by Elizabeth Misek. To be published by EK Books, due 2028.

Published Works

• The Very First Bead Tree — written by Mosie Johnson, illustrated by Elizabeth Misek. Published by Fulton Books (US), 2026.

• Max Likes to Cook — written by Jennifer Marshall, illustrated by Elizabeth Misek. Book one in an ongoing series for early readers and their grown-ups. Published by Early Learning Press, 2026.

• Moby Dick — written by Herman Melville, with illustrated endpapers by Elizabeth Misek. Limited edition published by Hipkiss Publishing House, 2026.

• Peek-a-Boo, Here Comes Two — written by Chantel Volker, illustrated by Elizabeth Misek. Published by Pegasus Publishing, 2026.

Before picture books, I completed a Certificate III in Design Fundamentals, followed by a Diploma of Visual Merchandising, and spent years at Harvey Norman in junior to senior merchandising roles (including 2IC). I was the person thinking about layout, flow, and how people moved through a space.

That background became part of my illustration work. When I’m planning a spread, I’m thinking about composition, balance, light, and where a reader’s eye will go first.

My love of design extends to book layout and typography, where I enjoy exploring how words and pictures can work together to shape the reading experience.

I love being around people who care about kidlit and craft as much as I do. Workshops, critique groups, and mentoring keep me learning and help me see my work from fresh angles.

A few things that have shaped me:

• Being mentored by publisher Margrete Lamond unlocked so much for me. She helped me put words to my intuitive storytelling, connect it to my design training, and shape both my illustrations and my early writing craft.

• CYA Conference 2024, including boot camp with Clare Halifax

• Facilitating and participating in critique groups (SCBWI and local writing communities)

• Starting a picture book writers group through the Hunter Writers Centre to support aspiring writers and illustrators.

As an autistic and dyslexic creator, I see my neurodivergence as an important part of my creative perspective. It shapes how I notice details, connect ideas and imagine the world around a story.

Growing up, reading and writing were difficult for me. I collected novels because I loved the idea of the stories inside them, even when reading them felt out of reach. That longing to enter a story has stayed with me.

Today, I write and illustrate picture books of my own. Getting here has taken persistence, learning and finding ways that work for me. Those experiences are part of why I love creating stories that inspire curiosity, encourage possibility and help children believe in their ideas.

Through my work and by sharing my journey, I hope to help children see that finding something difficult doesn’t mean it will always be out of reach.There can be different ways to learn, create and follow what matters to you.

I’m also exploring how my stories and illustrations can come to life through music and performance. Behind the scenes, I’m developing my singing and musical skills, with the aim of weaving them into interactive school visits and creative events.

I’m excited by the possibilities of bringing pictures, words and music together, inviting children to join in, use their imaginations and feel part of the story.