Illustrating ‘You Can’t Climb the Stairs in a Princess Dress’
In my final year of university, I had the privilege of illustrating the children’s book You Can’t Climb the Stairs in a Princess Dress by Chris Rushbrooke. Selected through a competitive pitch, this project marked an exciting milestone in my creative journey. Published in 2021, I was responsible for the character designs, internal illustrations, and cover art.
The story’s playful and vibrant tone inspired me to experiment with bold colours and layered textures. Each illustration was hand-drawn, scanned, and assembled in Photoshop, blending traditional techniques with digital refinement. The typography, a custom typeface created from a friend’s handwriting, added a personal and welcoming touch that perfectly complemented the visuals.
Seeing the completed book was an unforgettable moment. Watching my illustrations bring the story to life and create a cohesive narrative was deeply rewarding. This project wasn’t just a professional debut; it solidified my passion for storytelling through art and remains a proud achievement as I reflect on my university experience.
