Available for book, editorial, and institutional commissions
I make richly researched nonfiction illustration for publishers, magazines, and institutions. My work sits at the intersection of historical research and hand-crafted collage art, and because I work as both author and illustrator, I bring editorial thinking to every brief. So if you’re looking to commission nonfiction illustration, you’ve come to the right place.
My books are published by Fox & Ink Books and DK Children. I’m represented by literary agent Christabel McKinley at David Higham Associates.
What I bring to a nonfiction brief
Most illustrators receive a manuscript and interpret it visually. My background is different: I came to illustration via Industrial Design and a decade of research-heavy self-initiated work, which means I understand how nonfiction is built: and not just how it looks.
When I work on a book, I read the primary sources. I check the historical record. I ask questions about what’s accurate and what’s assumed. That habit doesn’t slow the process down; it tends to make the pictures more specific, more surprising, and more true.
My illustration style combines hand-painted textures, paper collage, and drawn detail, layered into spreads that feel warm, curious, and alive.
The kinds of projects I take on
Children’s nonfiction books This is where my work runs deepest. I’ve author-illustrated two books about food and cultural history for young readers, and I’m actively developing more. I’m particularly drawn to projects about food, history, science, and global cultures.
I work well both as author-illustrator (developing the concept, writing, and illustrating) and as illustrator-for-hire (working from an existing manuscript or brief). If you have a project in early development and want an illustrator who can contribute editorially as well as visually, I’d love to talk.
Editorial illustration I work with magazines on nonfiction illustration that has to be accurate, visually compelling, and clear. My ongoing relationship with Honest History Magazine is a good example of what I do best in an editorial context: historical subjects, young audiences, tight deadlines, and an expectation that the pictures will teach something.
Institutional and cultural commissions Museums, archives, cultural foundations, and organisations with a nonfiction remit are welcome to reach out. I bring the same research-first approach to institutional work as I do to books.
What it’s like to work with me
I’m used to working with publishers who have strong editorial opinions, and I find that process genuinely useful. Clear feedback makes better books. I’m also used to working independently across long timelines — a picture book takes months, and I’m comfortable with that rhythm.
For new commissions, I typically start with a brief conversation about the project, scope, and timeline, followed by a written proposal. I work in phases of roughs, colour rough, finals, with clear checkpoints for feedback at each stage.
I’m based in Gouda, the Netherlands, and work with publishers internationally. I’m comfortable with remote collaboration and have worked with publishers in the UK and US.
Selected publications & credentials
- Tasty Tales by Fox & Ink Books, 2024. Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2025; shortlisted for Children’s Book of the Year: Factual, The Week Junior Book Awards 2025.
- The Big Book of Birthdays by DK Children, 2026.
- Editorial work: Honest History Magazine issues 19 & 20
- Featured in: Maisonette
Get in touch
I’m currently open to commissions for 2026 and beyond. If you have a project you’d like to discuss, email me at hey@annalena.nl or use the contact form.
I try to reply within a few days. If you’re reaching out about a book project, it helps to include a brief overview of the subject, the intended age range, and your rough timeline.