Lauren Sharples – World Illustration Awards

2024 | Longlist + Shortlist | Children's Publishing

pronoun
She/Her
Why did you create this work?
I started this book during a summer living in Amsterdam, where I became fascinated by the amount of Parakeets in the city. I asked locals where they came from and was told amusing tales about the bird's arrival. I wrote them down and started illustrating them, which inspired this book!
How were your illustrations used?
These illustrations were created as part of a university project to develop spreads for a picture book.
What materials and techniques did you use?
Each spread from this book is hand-crafted with recycled paper for collage, then embellished with chalk pastels, watercolours and colour pencils.
Was this project commissioned?
Un-commissioned
College / University
Cambridge School of Art
Course and graduation date
MA Children's Book Illustration - 2025
Personal Website or Portfolio Link
laurensharples.co.uk/
Instagram
@lauren.m.sharples
Biography
Lauren is from the UK and is currently studying for her MA in Children's book illustration, at Cambridge School of Art (Anglia Ruskin University). Lauren's work is motivated by observing and sketching curious characters in her daily life, which she develops in her sketchbook into colourful and quirky stories.
Where are you currently based?
United Kingdom (UK)