Yvonne Nikolaison

Available to hire

I’m a New Zealand-based freelance illustrator with a warm, whimsical style inspired by nature, animals, and the quiet magic of everyday life.

About

I’m a New Zealand-based freelance illustrator with a warm, whimsical style inspired by nature, animals, and the quiet magic of everyday life. My work spans picture books, educational material, art prints, greeting cards, and eco-conscious products.

Recent illustration projects include:
• The Welcoming Tree – part of my Fairyland picture book project created during the Your Creative Gold illustration challenge.
• Molly & the Alpacas: The Case of the Missing Gumboot – a gentle mystery for young readers, currently in development.
• A 6-week illustration challenge exploring themed briefs across fantasy, animals, and childhood wonder.
• Ongoing illustration work for my own line of sustainable products, including Swedish dishcloths and stationery.

I work digitally and prepare illustrations ready for both print and product application. Whether you need full-page children’s book illustrations, spot images, or storytelling artwork for meaningful projects, I bring a thoughtful, collaborative approach to every piece.

Let’s bring your ideas to life.

  • Joined August 2025

Industry experience

  • Other

More experts in Masterton, New Zealand

Projects · 6

Horse In Striped Pyjamas

In this whimsical illustration inspired by the children’s song The Horse in Striped Pyjamas, a young girl points out what she sees to her father. Through a child’s eyes, a zebra is a horse — and its stripes, a cosy pair of PJs. This gentle, storybook-style piece captures the magic of childhood imagination and the sweet connection between parent and child on an ordinary day made extraordinary. illustrator childrensillustration nzillustrator whimsicalart zebraart storybookstyle fatheranddaughter stripedpyjamas imaginativeplay digitalillustration kidspoetry yvonnenikolaisonstudio animalillustration childrenspoem picturebookvibes artwithastory

  • Children’s Book Illustrator

The Garden Visitors is a whimsical illustration capturing a moment where nature and homely comfort meet. Looking out through open kitchen doors, a curious alpaca, a lively rabbit, and fluttering butterflies enjoy the garden in full bloom, while fresh bread, steaming soup, homemade pies, and jars of jam invite a sense of warmth and hospitality inside.

Digitally illustrated with soft textures and rich detail, this piece is ideal for children’s publishing, editorial work, or art licensing for homeware and stationery products. It blends storytelling charm with a celebration of rural life and seasonal abundance.

#childrensillustration #whimsicalart #digitalillustration #storybookstyle #natureillustration #rurallifeart #animalillustration #alpacaart #gardenillustration #cozyart #homeandgarden #fantasyillustration #artlicensing

The Garden Visitors
  • Freelance Digital Illustrator
Bear Family Sundae Stop

Bear Family Sundae Stop is a cheerful, retro-inspired illustration featuring an anthropomorphic bear family enjoying sweet treats by the seaside. From the classic jukebox to the striped umbrella and milkshakes, this digitally illustrated piece blends 1950s charm with playful character design. Created with children’s publishing and surface pattern in mind, the piece highlights strong composition, personality-driven expressions, and a warm narrative tone. Ideal for picture books, greeting cards, or themed collections with a vintage or family-friendly appeal. childrensillustration characterdesign digitalillustration anthropomorphicanimals vintagevibes bearfamily storybookart summerillustration icecreamart retroillustration kidlitart surfacepatterndesign familyfriendlyart

  • Freelance Digital Illustrator
The Night Before Christmas (Mouse Edition)

Created as part of a Christmas illustration challenge, The Night Before Christmas (Mouse Edition) is a heartwarming scene that captures the quiet anticipation of Christmas Eve. Two mice snuggle beneath festive blankets beside a crackling fire, surrounded by stockings, sweets, and a glowing tree — every detail celebrating comfort and joy. This piece was digitally illustrated with layered textures and integrated surface pattern elements, including a custom-designed snowman motif repeated on both the bedding and rug. The illustration bridges storytelling and product design, making it suitable for children’s publishing, seasonal greetings, or holiday-themed licensing. childrensillustration holidayart whimsicalillustration digitalillustration surfacepatterndesign christmasscene cozychristmas festiveart nzillustrator yvonnenikolaisonstudio storybookstyle christmaschallenge licensedart mouseillustration warmandwhimsical

  • Illustrator
The Welcoming Tree

The Welcoming Tree is one of four illustrations created as part of an industry-focused course with art agent Jehane Ltd. Designed to work across both children’s illustration and surface pattern design, this piece tells the story of a girl and her dog discovering a glowing doorway hidden within an ancient tree. The forest is rich with detail — mushrooms, butterflies, and gentle textures that bring a sense of magic and invitation. This illustration was created digitally and is part of a whimsical, nature-inspired collection suitable for children’s publishing, art licensing, or product application. childrensillustration storybookart surfacepatterndesign digitalillustration magicalforest fairytaleart nzillustrator natureinspired artlicensing fantasyillustration whimsicalstyle yvonnenikolaisonstudio

  • Illustrator
Winter’s Garden Watch

Created as part of a Christmas illustration challenge, Winter’s Garden Watch captures a quiet, cozy moment as a cat gazes out at a snow-covered garden. The scene is rich with festive touches — gingerbread decorations, glowing candles, cheerful birds, and frosty windows — all framed by soft light and winter blooms. This piece blends nostalgia and warmth, evoking the still magic of the season from a pet’s perspective. Ideal for seasonal editorial, greeting cards, or children’s publishing with a winter or Christmas theme. christmasillustration wintergarden cozyart catillustration storybookstyle nzillustrator festiveart whimsicalillustration digitalillustration wintermagic illustratedscene yvonnenikolaisonstudio seasonalart childrensillustration holidayvibes

  • Illustrator

Work experience

Illustrator/surface pattern design · Yvonne Nikolaison StudioJan 2015 – Present · 11 yrs 11 mos

Self-taught digital illustrator creating whimsical, joyful artwork for eco-conscious homewares, stationery, and art prints. Experienced in product development, pattern design, and visual storytelling. Clients include retail customers and wholesale stockists across New Zealand. Notable projects include a charity line supporting Kaimanawa horse rescue, seasonal Swedish dishcloth collections, and children’s illustration work.

Certifications and awards

Bachelor computer systems2006 – 2009
Bachelor of Oral Health2019 – 2025
Bachelor of Oral Health2019 – 2012

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