Feb 2025 -

I am thrilled to announce that I will be facilitating Maitland’s Picture Book critique group for Writers and Illustrators through the Hunter Writers Centre. See below for more details.

Kids Lit – Maitland

10 am — 12:30 pm
1st Monday of each month
Maitland

This boutique group in Maitland is for picture book writers and illustrators of all levels. We focus on creating stories that connect with the reader, through collective experience as well as using creative prompts to get the most out of each meeting. Join our group to meet liked-minded passionate writers and illustrators that offer support, push and inspire you while on your creative journey.

Monthly meetings are held in-person on the first Monday of the month in Maitland, 10 am – 1 pm and are facilitated by award winning illustrator and Picture Book author, Elizabeth Misek.

Open to new members
Starts Monday 3 March 2025

Enquire Here

Hunter Writers Centre Link

Elemental Lighthouse Gallery Exhibition

Pure Imagination - By Elizabeth Misek

1st Prize -2023 New England Illustration Prize

Prompt Sentence: ‘Dreaming is a super power’

I love to create stories and jump into the characters world. How they would feel or act for the illustration to be believable and pull you in.Here, the little girl has been living and breathing ballet her whole life.Her goal, to be in the Royal Ballet which she is peacefully dreaming about and one day will became reality.

Winning this award feels like it’s the next stage in my illustration career.

I am very grateful and excited for what’s to come.

Almost two years ago, when I decided to become a Children’s picture book Illustrator, I made a pact with myself to stay organic, work hard and everything will fall into place when it’s meant to.

I still strongly believe this and I feel the pace is starting to pick up.

I’m jumping in with both feet.

Elizabeth Misek

Below - An Extract from NEWC

This illustration showcases technical expertise with stunning line work and eye-catching pops of blue against a moody nighttime backdrop. 

The heroic ballerina's dynamic pose seems to leap off the page while the shadowy, offstage dancers add an intriguing element. Dreams often encompass a mix of positive and negative elements, all of which is skillfully captured in this illustration. It's a beautifully atmospheric piece, particularly notable for the exquisite details in the ballerina—the graceful tilt of the foot and the evocative sense of reaching — as well as the subtly effective use of color.

New England Writer Centre - Link

https://www.newc.org.au/2023-illustration-prize-for-childrens-picture-book-publishing.html

14.11.23

SHORTLISTED -2022 Design Canberra Journaling challenge

Day 1 - Prompt Word: Brush

I used mixed media to create these two illustrations. The top Illustration is what the girl can see through her binoculars.

Day 3 - La Nina

This was illustrated not long after the floods.The persons tears morph into the sand, filling the sand bags that were used to slow the water flow.

For me, this challenge was quite symbolic. It was a turning point for me following a path to become a children’s picture book illustrator and let go of worrying if my work looked perfect and just to enjoy the process start to finish.

I had so much fun creating with free flowing ideas, and I can honestly say this is reflected in my illustrations.

I used mix media to freely create to each prompt word for 18 days. The link below shows each illustration.

Design Canberra Website Link:

https://craftanddesigncanberra.org/blogs/2022-creative-journaling-challenge/elizabeth-misek