I'm Sarah Rickli, an illustrator and author specializing in children’s illustration, picture books, and character-driven visual storytelling. I hold an MA in Illustration from Falmouth University and bring a background in theatre, film, and writing to my work, shaping emotionally resonant, narrative-led visuals for publishing and education. Since 2018 I work as a freelance illustrator and author, developing picture book projects, designing characters, and storyboarding for books and educational programs. Between 2013 and 2022 I founded The Newspeak Theatre Company in London, writing, directing, and performing original work and collaborating with creatives across Europe, the UK, and the USA. I also teach creative, interdisciplinary learning experiences for children aged 5–14.

Sarah Rickli

PRO

I'm Sarah Rickli, an illustrator and author specializing in children’s illustration, picture books, and character-driven visual storytelling. I hold an MA in Illustration from Falmouth University and bring a background in theatre, film, and writing to my work, shaping emotionally resonant, narrative-led visuals for publishing and education. Since 2018 I work as a freelance illustrator and author, developing picture book projects, designing characters, and storyboarding for books and educational programs. Between 2013 and 2022 I founded The Newspeak Theatre Company in London, writing, directing, and performing original work and collaborating with creatives across Europe, the UK, and the USA. I also teach creative, interdisciplinary learning experiences for children aged 5–14.

Available to hire

I’m Sarah Rickli, an illustrator and author specializing in children’s illustration, picture books, and character-driven visual storytelling. I hold an MA in Illustration from Falmouth University and bring a background in theatre, film, and writing to my work, shaping emotionally resonant, narrative-led visuals for publishing and education.

Since 2018 I work as a freelance illustrator and author, developing picture book projects, designing characters, and storyboarding for books and educational programs. Between 2013 and 2022 I founded The Newspeak Theatre Company in London, writing, directing, and performing original work and collaborating with creatives across Europe, the UK, and the USA. I also teach creative, interdisciplinary learning experiences for children aged 5–14.

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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

Qualifications

Creative Writing Certificate
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Other