I'm a multidisciplinary illustrator and author who specializes in children's illustration, picture books, and character-driven storytelling. I bring a narrative-led, emotionally resonant approach to my work, informed by a background in theatre, film, and writing. I hold an MA in Illustration from Falmouth University, and my practice spans publishing and education with a focus on visually rich, story-driven experiences. My theatre roots as founder and Creative Director of The Newspeak Theatre Company have shaped my collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach, guiding projects from initial concept to audience-ready performance and publication. This blend of storytelling, visual design, and production has consistently informed my publishing and educational work.

Sarah Rickli

I'm a multidisciplinary illustrator and author who specializes in children's illustration, picture books, and character-driven storytelling. I bring a narrative-led, emotionally resonant approach to my work, informed by a background in theatre, film, and writing. I hold an MA in Illustration from Falmouth University, and my practice spans publishing and education with a focus on visually rich, story-driven experiences. My theatre roots as founder and Creative Director of The Newspeak Theatre Company have shaped my collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach, guiding projects from initial concept to audience-ready performance and publication. This blend of storytelling, visual design, and production has consistently informed my publishing and educational work.

Available to hire

I’m a multidisciplinary illustrator and author who specializes in children’s illustration, picture books, and character-driven storytelling. I bring a narrative-led, emotionally resonant approach to my work, informed by a background in theatre, film, and writing. I hold an MA in Illustration from Falmouth University, and my practice spans publishing and education with a focus on visually rich, story-driven experiences.

My theatre roots as founder and Creative Director of The Newspeak Theatre Company have shaped my collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach, guiding projects from initial concept to audience-ready performance and publication. This blend of storytelling, visual design, and production has consistently informed my publishing and educational work.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
French
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced
German
Fluent
Italian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Freelance Illustrator & Author at Self-employed
January 1, 2018 - Present
Picture book illustration and author work including project development; character design and narrative illustration for children’s publishing; storyboarding and visual development for books and educational projects.
Founder & Creative Director at The Newspeak Theatre Company
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2022
Founded and led an independent theatre company; wrote, directed, and performed original narrative work; developed characters, scripts, and visual concepts for live audiences; collaborated with international creatives across Europe, the UK, and the USA.

Education

MA in Illustration at Falmouth University
January 12, 2024 - January 19, 2026
MA Illustration at Falmouth University
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026
Acting for Film Diploma at New York Film Academy (NYFA)
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026
BA Theatre & Film at European Film Actor School (EFAS)
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026
Creative Writing Certificate at London School of Journalism
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026
MA Illustration at Falmouth University
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026
Acting for Film Diploma at New York Film Academy (NYFA)
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026
BA Theatre & Film at European Film Actor School (EFAS), Zürich
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026
Creative Writing Certificate at London School of Journalism
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026
MA Illustration at Falmouth University
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026
Acting for Film Diploma at New York Film Academy (NYFA)
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026
BA Theatre & Film at European Film Actor School (EFAS)
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026
Creative Writing Certificate at London School of Journalism
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026

Qualifications

Creative Writing Certificate
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026
MA Illustration
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026
Acting for Film Diploma
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026
BA Theatre & Film
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026
Creative Writing Certificate
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Other, Professional Services