About
Hello, I'm Mateja Lukežič.
I'm a Slovenian children's book illustrator and storyteller creating warm, playful illustrations inspired by nature, curiosity, and the wonder of childhood.
I collaborate with publishers and brands worldwide, creating illustrations for picture books, board books, educational publishing, magazines, and children's products. Working primarily in digital media, I create warm, colourful worlds that invite children to explore, imagine, and discover.
My illustrations have appeared in selected books and educational publications by Penguin Random House, Tiger Tales, Scholastic, National Geographic, Yoyo Books, and MollyBee Kids.
Whether creating a picture book or developing artwork for children's products, I love bringing stories to life through expressive characters and joyful visual worlds.
If you're looking for an illustrator or would like to license my artwork, I'd love to hear from you.
If you'd like to collaborate, commission an illustration, or license my artwork, I'd love to hear from you.
Feel free to email me at mateja.lukezic@gmail.com or use the contact form.
Selected clients
Penguin Random House •Tiger Tales • Scholastic • National Geographic • Yoyo Books • MollyBee Kids
Representation
Represented worldwide by Lemonade Illustration Agency.
Storytelling & Education
Alongside illustration, I design and lead creative storytelling workshops for children, where stories come to life through illustration, movement, observation, play, and hands-on making. Inspired by nature, picture books, and film, these workshops encourage curiosity, creativity, and a genuine connection with the world around us.
As a film educator, I help children discover the language of visual storytelling and explore how images, movement, sound, and imagination work together to create meaningful stories.
I have collaborated with cultural institutions, libraries, theatres, and festivals across Slovenia, developing and leading creative programmes for children.
Selected educational collaborations
Kinodvor • Ljubljana Puppet Theatre • Mini Theatre • Mala Ulica • ŠKUC • Bobri Festival • Cultural Bazar • Ana Desetnica Festival
Education
Before becoming a full-time illustrator, I worked as a graphic designer. To deepen my understanding of visual storytelling, I began my studies at the Famul Stuart School of Applied Arts, later graduating from the School of Arts at the University of Nova Gorica with a degree in Digital Arts and Practices, specialising in Scenography and Animation.
During my studies, I received the Alumnus Optimus Award for achieving the highest academic success at the School of Arts in the 2010/2011 academic year.
A Personal Note
Nature is at the heart of everything I create. Forests, birds, changing seasons, and the quiet beauty of everyday life continually inspire my work. I believe stories help children slow down, notice the world around them, and approach it with curiosity, kindness, and imagination.
My little dog Pablo is often by my side while I work and occasionally inspires a story or two. He reminds me every day that the simplest moments often become the most memorable stories.
