Kate Leiper

I'm an Edinburgh-based children's book illustrator, fascinated by myths and folklore, inspired by animals and nature, with an eye for intricate and detailed drawing. When not in the studio, I love getting out and about to meet with fellow book readers and budding illustrators of all ages.

I can offer events in the form of practical, activity-based workshops or illustrated talks for children and/or adults. I guide participants through my own book illustrating process, explore the depiction of stories in pictorial form, show how characters are created and developed and talk about what being an illustrator involves. Practical workshop activities range from dragon drawing to making Selkie sock puppets!

I'm keen to discuss proposals for:

• events
• workshops
• residencies
• mentoring

I've visited many literary festivals and schools and am very happy to adapt sessions to run alongside school project themes, work with children struggling with literacy skills or tailor sessions accessible for children with special needs. I have worked in a nursing home for the elderly and can offer dementia-friendly events. I'm also happy to work with participants learning English as a second language (I have a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults - CELTA). (Photo credit: Kasia Juchniewicz)