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HELLO! MY NAME IS OLA (short version of Aleksandra in Poland)

Hi, I’m a children’s book illustrator based in New Zealand, originally from southern Poland. Since 2016, I’ve illustrated over 40 titles, including books, games, and licensed products. My work blends poetic charm with a playful edge, often inspired by nature, gentle emotion, and a quiet sense of humor.

 

I love combining traditional materials—gouache, watercolor, and mixed media—with digital finishing touches to bring warmth, texture, and character to every piece.

 

Over the years, my illustration style has naturally evolved into an expressive, painterly approach—well-suited for tender, emotional stories as well as character-driven, humorous ones. I love how it allows me to explore a range of tones and storytelling voices..

 

My seaside studio is scattered with pencils, cold cups of tea, and the creative chaos I’ve come to love. Though I live by the beach, I’m definitely an autumn person—drawn to the cozy colors and quiet moods of fall.

 

I’m always open to meaningful collaborations—especially stories with heart, imagination, and something just a little unexpected.

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GET IN TOUCH

Please feel free to contact me at a.szmidt90@gmail.com 

if you have any questions.

For any UK or European projects, please reach out directly to my agent, Christine, at christine@artistpartners.co.uk

For any US or Canadian projects, please contact my agent, Dan, directly at pageturnerliteraryagency@gmail.com

Achievements & Recognitions:

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 2020 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards – Silver Medal
    Happy Love Sprinkles — Best First Book – Picture Book category

  • 2020 Nautilus Book Awards – Silver Medal
    The Sweet Dreams Express: A Meditative Bedtime Journey — Children’s Picture Books/Fiction category

  • 2022 Best Indie Book Award (BIBA)
    Happy Love Sprinkles — Children’s (2-8) category

  • 2025 ACT Literary Awards – Shortlisted
    Marvelous Miles — Children’s Literature/Young Readers category

📚 Bestseller Status

  • The Little Lambs series (Hachette New Zealand) — New Zealand Bestseller

🌍 International Reach & Translations

  • Books illustrated by Aleksandra Szmidt have been translated into many languages, including English, German, Danish, Brazilian Portuguese, Croatian, Slovak, Czech, Slovenian, and French editions.

MORE

When I'm not drawing, I enjoy activities like aeroyoga, climbing and exploring new things to break the routine.

CLIENTS:

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Bestsellers in NZ:

The Little Lambs' Great New Zealand Easter Activity Book

The Little Lambs' Great New Zealand Easter Egg Hunt

ALL IMAGES© 2025 ALEKSANDRA SZMIDT

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