Female Illustrators

Gerda Wegener was a Danish painter and illustrator. She began painting as a young girl and received her training at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. As a painter, she often depicted confident and elegant women performing a variety of activities in her works. She also painted fashion illustrations and what was labeled “lesbian erotica.” 

Internationally renowned children’s book author and illustrator Lena Anderson began working in the publishing industry at age 16 and first gained fame with her book Linnea in Monet's Garden, which was one of her many collaborations with author Christina Björk. She is known for creating her much-loved character Maja.

Legendary Indian costume designer Bhanu Athaiya won India its first Oscar for her work in Gandhi. Throughout her illustrious career, she had worked with legendary directors such as Yash Chopra and Raj Kapoor. Initially a fashion magazine illustrator, she was also interested in painting but later chose fashion designing instead.

Born in the Dutch East Indies, Tonke Dragt was 12 when she was interned at a Japanese prisoners’ camp, where she began writing using a pseudonym. She later moved to the Netherlands and emerged as one of the best authors of children's books, including The Letter for the King.         

Also known as Sweden's Beatrix Potter, Swedish children’s author Elsa Beskow is best remembered for her iconic books such as Children of the Forest and Pelle's New Suit. Elves, goblins, and farm animals often appeared as characters in her books. The Elsa Beskow Award was named in her honor.

At the time of her death at age 111, Katherine Plunket became Ireland’s oldest person to have ever existed. Born into Irish aristocracy, Plunket was the granddaughter of the first Baron Plunket. She was also well-traveled and was known for her botanical illustrations, collected in Wild Flowers from Nature.

Swedish-speaking Finnish illustrator and cartoonist Minna Sundberg was 25 when she became the first Finn to win a Reuben Award. Known for her works such as A Redtail's Dream and Lovely People, she is now devoted to Christianity and supports an online Christian bookstore on her website, Hummingfluff Studio.

Lisa Aisato is a Norwegian visual artist, author of picture books, and illustrator. She is best known for her book Odd er et egg which was adapted into an award-winning animated short film titled Odd is an Egg. Lisa Aisato also contributes as an illustrator to newspapers and other authors. In 2019, she was honored with the Norwegian Booksellers' Prize.