Hi, I’m Maria Harding — an artist, illustrator, author and designer with a passion for creating colourful, imaginative worlds for children.

With a background in fine art, publishing and graphic design, I combine all of these skills to create children's books with heart.

I work in watercolour, ink, coloured pencil and digital media, creating animal and human characters with a loose, expressive style that focuses on emotion, personality and the character’s journey through the story.

As a designer, I am experienced across all aspects of publishing and project management including commissioning illustrators, art directing, designing and print production.

I grew up in the UK and earned a BA in Fine Art from Liverpool University. I am now based in Sydney’s Inner West, where I create from my home studio.

I'm always open to new projects, whether as an illustrator, designer or both. Drop a line to say hi!

Clients

AFTRS, Blue Mountains City Council, Liechhardt Council, Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), Simon & Schuster, Weldon Owen. Cambridge University, Fairfax, OPSM, Dyson, Nike, Torrens University, Billy Blue College of Design, Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, Luxottica, Mumbrella, Hotel Chocolat, ACP Magazines, Saatchi & Saatchi, BBC.