I’m an illustrator with a whimsical, storybook-focused style, drawing inspiration from children’s books and playful character concepts. I love using vibrant watercolor-like aesthetics and expressive character design to bring fun, friendly scenes to life on the page. I’m also comfortable designing for book covers and visual storytelling elements, making sure the artwork supports the mood of the narrative. Whether it’s a character concept or an eye-catching illustration layout, I aim to create artwork that feels warm, engaging, and made for young readers.…

Mustapha Balikis

I’m an illustrator with a whimsical, storybook-focused style, drawing inspiration from children’s books and playful character concepts. I love using vibrant watercolor-like aesthetics and expressive character design to bring fun, friendly scenes to life on the page. I’m also comfortable designing for book covers and visual storytelling elements, making sure the artwork supports the mood of the narrative. Whether it’s a character concept or an eye-catching illustration layout, I aim to create artwork that feels warm, engaging, and made for young readers.…

Available to hire

I’m an illustrator with a whimsical, storybook-focused style, drawing inspiration from children’s books and playful character concepts. I love using vibrant watercolor-like aesthetics and expressive character design to bring fun, friendly scenes to life on the page.

I’m also comfortable designing for book covers and visual storytelling elements, making sure the artwork supports the mood of the narrative. Whether it’s a character concept or an eye-catching illustration layout, I aim to create artwork that feels warm, engaging, and made for young readers.

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Beginner

Work Experience

Self-Employed / Freelancer at Fiverr
February 23, 2023 - Present
Redesigned and updated illustrations for an existing children's picture book on Fiverr, refining artwork style and layout consistency for a client's project.
Self-Employed / Freelancer | Freelance Children's Book Illustrator & Editor at Fiverr
September 7, 2019 - Present

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Fine Arts at University of Lagos
June 20, 2014 - December 6, 2018
ND | HND at Federal Polytechnic Ede
January 18, 2019 - August 10, 2024

Qualifications

Canva
July 11, 2026 - August 11, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Computers & Electronics, Life Sciences, Media & Entertainment, Other
    The Three Friends and the Lost Puppy
    graphicdesigner illustrator designer The client wanted to bring The Three Friends and the Lost Puppy to life with illustrations that would make the story feel warm, emotional, and engaging for young readers. The story follows Maya, Zara, and Ethan as they discover a frightened puppy and work together to reunite it with its owner. The key was to capture the children’s personalities, the puppy’s vulnerability, and the emotional journey of helping someone in need. I focused on expressive characters, clear storytelling, and engaging visual moments that allow children to understand the story even beyond the words. From finding the shivering puppy to caring for it and finally reuniting it with its worried owner, each scene was designed to build emotion and keep young readers invested. The final result is a heartwarming visual story that reinforces kindness, teamwork, and compassion while giving the book a memorable and child-friendly identity.…
    Oliver and the Cloud That Lost Its Rain
    Full picture book illustration and layout for "Oliver and the Cloud That Lost Its Rain," a story about friendship, kindness, and courage. Designed the front cover, back cover, and spine, plus full-color interior spreads featuring a consistent cast of characters throughout. Artwork created using Canva, refined and composed for a warm, whimsical, child-friendly style. Delivered in a print-ready format suitable for Amazon KDP publishing graphicdesigner…
    The Little Gardener and The Bunny
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    Oliver and the Cloud That Lost Its Rain Children's Picture Book

    Full picture book illustration and layout for “Oliver and the Cloud That Lost Its Rain,” a story about friendship, kindness, and courage. Designed the front cover, back cover, and spine, plus full-color interior spreads featuring a consistent cast of characters throughout. Artwork created using Canva, refined and composed for a warm, whimsical, child-friendly style. Delivered in a print-ready format suitable for Amazon KDP publishing