Hi! I'm Steph, a Northern Irish author/illustrator living in Berlin.

Making and Writing

My pictures begin with the good and messy analogue stage of painting of pages and collaging these into figures and forms; then I make compositions of these digitally.

The last few years I have been working as author-illustrator on a number of picture books that speak to methodologies of everyday creative practice. ‘New Neighbors’ is about an apartment of circus performers; showing them at home rather than at the circus. Looking at their circus practice as lens through which they view the world doesn’t stop when they encounter their mundane ordinary tasks. Their practice of pushing boundaries, being entirely present ,improvising with others, informs everything-  even how to make a cup of tea!

My second book, ‘The Dancer’ speaks to moving through the world through the lens of dance. On an ordinary commute to work in a kitchen, the dancer is inspired by all kinds of everyday movements. The tight restrictions in a cramped kitchen act as a springboard from which new types of movement can be found. The focus is less about stages or accolades, and more about revealing the agency you have to move through your life.

I find people to be the most inspiring source of material, and both of these stories were inspired by real circus performers and a dancer I have met.

These books were both longlisted for the Dpictus Unpublished Showcase (2024, 2025).

History and influences

I was born in Belfast and lived in the cities of London and Berlin in my adult life. Complex identities, multiple passports were already there just by fact of being from Northern Ireland, so maybe it is not entirely unexpected to find myself at home in diverse cities where people’s identities are multiple and layered.  I find collage a useful way to put together stories that are often rooted in this context. Obsessed with movement and attempting to show motion through cut up pieces of paper; my work usually is on a slant, with many diagonals, very little sits on firm ground.

I’m inspired by Romare Bearden (who I recently wrote about on my substack) in his use of collage to make new identities out of disparate things; as well as the Seriographs of Corita Kent. One of my very favourite picture books;  Make Meatballs Sing, gloriously describes her methodology of a cardboard ‘viewfinder’ (frame) for selecting details of things in the very fabric of everyday life; like in the supermarket and at the gas station, to use as material for her work.

I am currently working with author Jitna Bhagani on a book for third culture kids, called I Don’t Want To Go To India. I met Jitna in Jaipur last year, and loved her story immediately. Working on many scenes of bustling Delhi streets is a dream assignment.

Berlin Community

Trying to write and illustrate your own picture books is not for the faint of heart, and I’m glad to be in an extraordinary community in Berlin. Many people still have this D.I.Y. can-do attitude to making things happen, in a way that is totally refreshing and not money-driven. I was lucky enough to be accepted into Picture Books Berlin’ in 2025 which is a beautiful community of talented writers and illustrators making all kinds of events, showing out in support for each other, running events here and even in Bologna at the children’s book fair. I am grateful to have met so many incredible people here who seem to simultaneously have wild imaginations and yet remain deeply practical.

Training and Experience

In terms of formal training I hold a Fine Art degree from Central Saint Martins and a Masters in Illustration (online) from Falmouth University. Most recently I have been learning about the craft of picture book writing and have taken a class with esteemed picture book writer Kyo Maclear online at Off Assignment. Alongside this I have worked in a plethora of community centres, refugee accomodation, women’s centres, rehabilitation centres, up cycling furniture shops, book shops, cafes, libraries and bars. Being in Germany has focused the mind somewhat back to visual storytelling, but my life experiences have given me a greater insight in to how I portray people. I work hard to empathetically show a diverse range of people in all their specificities and complexity.

Get In Touch!

I’m open to representation and enquiries for The Dancer, New Neighbors and my collaboration with Jitna Bhagani. Alongside picture books I’ve been working to provide illustrations on cross community creativity for the ‘Give Something Back To Berlin’ magazine and I’m open to editorial collaborations as well.

I would love to hear from you! Please get in touch: hello@stephgillespie.com 

Steph Gillespie

May 2026