Children's Illustrator, Freelance Illustrator, Book Illustration

Kat Richardson - Children's Book Illustrator

Illustrator Name & Location

Illustrator Name: Kat Richardson, Pesky Plover Studio
Country: Australia, Tasmania

Previous Work & Illustrator Portfolio Highlights

Kat Richardson is an author, illustrator, qualified editor, and graphic designer who helps transform story ideas into beautifully crafted children's books. As the creator of two self-published picture books, she understands every stage of the publishing journey—from developing a manuscript and refining the story to creating engaging illustrations, designing professional layouts, and preparing books for print.

Through Pesky Plover Studio, Kat has collaborated with almost 40 authors, helping bring their stories to life through developmental editing, illustration, cover and interior book design, and publishing-ready formatting. Her portfolio includes standout titles such as Brave Beginnings, Our Biggest Adventure, and Your Brain Is a Wonderful Place, as well as her own self-published picture book, The Things Enid Can Tell You.

SEE KAT'S EDITING SERVICES HERE

Career Highlights & Recognition

Kat has a Bachelor of Communications (Children's Literature) from Charles Sturt University as well as a Graduate Certificate in Writing and Literature (Editing) from Deakin University. She has also been featured on the Write Angles: Unfiltered Voices podcast, where she spoke on ADHD, creativity, self-publishing, vulnerability and why she swapped corporate life for a creative.

In 2020, Kat wrote and illustrated her debut children’s book, Diary of a Red Handfish. Since then, she's continued to work with fellow authors, offering illustration, editing and design support to help bring their ideas out of their head and onto the page.

Kat is also set to run an illustration workshop and a self-editing workshop in October at the highly anticipated 2026 Once Upon Con Event, Australia’s most joy-filled, inspiring & educational event for children’s book creators.

How to Contact & Hire Kat

Kat collaborates with independent authors on children's picture books, offering illustration, developmental editing, graphic design, cover and interior book design, and print-ready formatting. Whether you're developing your first picture book or preparing a manuscript for publication, she works closely with clients to bring their stories to life.

As Kat takes on only a limited number of projects each month to ensure every book receives the attention it deserves, early enquiries are encouraged. If you have a planned launch date or publishing deadline, include it in your enquiry so availability and project timing can be discussed.

To request a quote, complete the contact form on the Pesky Plover Studio website (below) and include a clear subject line along with a brief description of your project, such as the type of book, its current stage of development, and the services you're seeking.

Pesky Plover Studio is proudly neurodivergent-friendly. As a late-diagnosed ADHDer, Kat understands that creativity doesn't always follow a linear path. She offers clear, flexible communication, realistic expectations, and a collaborative process where clients can share ideas without judgement. Whether you prefer email, voice notes, or bullet points, Kat works with you to find a communication style that feels comfortable and supportive.

SEE KAT'S EDITING SERVICES HERE

How to Get in Touch

SEE KAT'S EDITING SERVICES HERE

🌐 Website: https://www.peskyploverstudio.com/

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbUGgQIkhxR/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatRichCreative