Kristen Willis
Date of Success:
2022
Agented
Born in Far North Queensland surrounded by biscotti and bushy sugar cane fields, Kristen Willis is a well-seasoned Brisbane-based Illustrator and Graphic Designer.
Kristen explores and indulges in all aspects of Illustration, Printmaking and Graphic Design by mixing traditional fine-art techniques with digital media. Kristen completed a Bachelor in Fine Arts with Honours (majoring in printmaking and drawing) and further complimented this with Graphic Design in 2011. She is also the founder and creator of Tondo Creative, a design studio specialising in blending boundaries of art and design.
Professionally represented by Annabel Barker Agency, Kristen is a passionate member of SCBWI Queensland and Booklinks/Writelinks. She is also working on her own author/illustrator children's picture book projects.
WHAT CYA CONFERENCE DID FOR ME
I had heard only amazing opportunities arise from attending the CYA Conference. So, seeing myself as a 'newbie' in the kidlit space, I figured 2022 was the year I booked myself for my first portfolio assessment experience and participated in the Illustration competition. Wow, am I glad I did! Not only did I get to have the most fantastic review with Sarah Davis, Art Director of Walker Books; but I also placed as an 'Aspiring Illustrator' finalist for my illustration piece 'Bacalah's Christmas Surprise'! It was a thrill to be judged and awarded by Cathy Vallance from UQP. You needed a bobcat to scrape my jaw off the floor. Thank you endlessly for the warm welcome, this is a pivotal turning point in my creative career, and I am beyond excited to see what happens next!
