Kristina Đenadić, is a Serbian-Hungarian artist based in Vienna, Austria. She graduated in 2017 with a BAA in Costume Design and Fine Arts from the University of Arts in Belgrade. She works in children's books, animation, and video games as an illustrator and as a character designer.
STEP ONE: IT’S A KIND OF MAGIC
At the age of three, I declared: “Mom, I want to be a painter!” after watching The Elm-Chanted Forest and seeing the painter changing the corrupt world with his magical paintbrush. I grabbed my brother's baby bottle brush to get to work and waved it around, making a mess magic, real magic! No wonder I had to wait a few more years to get my first watercolour set.
Belgrade, 1996
The Painter - marker & wax crayons on paper, 1996
Chic Chick at a Flea Market - wax crayons on paper, 1996
When we weren’t in the city, we spent our days on Mount Golija. My little brother and I played in the forest and meadows, and enjoyed nature. The wooden cabin our father built had no electricity, so we spent days and nights drawing and reading by sunlight or candlelight.
Family photos
When the holidays ended and we were on our way home, we often stopped near the medieval castle of Maglič. From below, I’d wonder what court life was like up there, on top of that hill, surrounded by water, and what fantastic creatures might still live there.
I was fascinated by historical costumes, and frustrated that I couldn’t dress that flamboyantly myself! At a very young age, I started hand-sewing outfits for Barbies and Action Men (much to my brother’s delight, I’m sure). From the moment I heard the term "
costume designer", I knew my original claim for wanting to become a painter needed an upgrade!
STEP TWO: WHEN SCHOOL BECOMES FUN
My art education began after elementary school. It was rigorous, but meaningful and fun, and I loved (almost) everything about it. I was part of the first generation in the costume design department at Tehnoart Beograd, a fine arts-focused high school. I then earned a BA in Costume Design from the University of Arts in Belgrade.
A large part of my training involved studying and practising the drawing and painting techniques of old masters, primarily based on classical realism. I also drew and painted costumes from historical references, even learning to read and accurately interpret costumes carved in Ancient Mesopotamian or Egyptian reliefs, painted on fragmented Byzantine frescoes, and illuminated in medieval manuscript miniatures.
Kristina’s Grandpa, Graphite on paper, 2012
Theatre and film combine my love for the visual arts, literature, and performance. But in the role of a costume designer, I was just contributing to one fragment, and I missed the full storytelling: directing, mood, scenery, light, and emotion. This is when I discovered my love for character design and illustration.
STEP THREE: WHEN WORK BECOMES FUN
After graduating in 2017, I started my freelance career, specialising in character design and illustration for video games and animation. I soon adapted to the digital medium, as most of the production is done digitally, though my creative process still involves traditional techniques.
Character design for an unreleased video game
I illustrated my first children’s book in 2018 and immediately felt a strong connection with the entire process. Despite continuing to work in multiple industries, I found myself increasingly drawn to the world of picture books.
Are You a Baby Reindeer?
First children’s book, 2018
I’ve illustrated 15+ children’s books in almost all genres, including three series. I love the systematic approach to book development, from storyboarding to designing characters and finalising illustrations. And finally, since I love writing too, I feel I’m getting closer to publishing my first book as an author-illustrator!
The process of illustrating a children’s book
STEP FOUR: WHEN THE NICHE NO LONGER SEEMS SCARY
"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." - Joseph Campbell
My advice for young artists is to ask themselves what feels like a greater value for them: being a generalist or original. Both are highly valued, the question is, what would you prefer to be valued for? For me, finding my artistic voice has been a long, vulnerable journey. An authentic style takes time to develop and grow from personal experience. That’s why I like to believe that for each illustrator, there is the right publisher and the right audience.
If you seek originality, my suggestion is to explore different genres to discover where your creativity feels most at home. There is enough time. It’s an investment that will make your work stand out, connect more deeply, and build a meaningful career.
Kristina’s Studio
MY RESOURCES
When I started illustrating children’s books, I had zero connections and little industry knowledge. SCBWI’s resources and events helped me understand the market and approach publishing professionally. I even got my first representation deal thanks to the SCBWI Essential Guide to Publishing for Children! The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook has also been key for understanding the practices, pricing, contracts, and ethics.
Whenever I feel stuck, I return to Austin Kleon’s books. Keep Going once pulled me out of a creative stagnation. Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work are the ones I also like to return to.
I’m collecting children’s books that inspire me. Travelling and discovering local bookstores and new titles made it a tradition - I bring home the ones that take my breath away. In 2025, as we reach May, I fell in love with Giselle, a ballet adaptation illustrated by Charlotte Gastaut, and Dolce Addio, written and illustrated by Brian Hsu.
Another important resource is connecting with fellow illustrators, authors, publishers and industry specialists – it helps me stay up to date with the latest trends. At this year’s Bologna Children's Book Fair, I met my wonderful agent Gaby Cabezut, many amazing illustrators and went home with a bunch of books, fueled with inspiration for a whole year. The highlight was meeting the creative team behind SCBWI. I got some of the most valuable insights and feedback, especially from Tita Berredo! <3
Kristina and Stefan at the fair
Kristina and Melanie Rook Welfing at SCBWI booth
PLEASE MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME!
Besides the arts, I’m passionate about mental health and children’s development. I’m amazed by how crucially the two are connected - the chicken and the egg. In 2024, I began my training in an integrative body-oriented psychotherapy program. Exercising and a plant-based diet help me stay focused and grounded.
Family Photo
I’m married to an illustrator, who is my greatest inspiration and support. You can see his amazing work here:
https://www.stefannikolic.net/. We live in Vienna, Austria, with our tiny, furry swimmer Magi, growing a balcony garden, houseplants, and two little terrariums. Now in my 30s, I’m learning to let go of pressure and embrace simplicity. It’s not easy at first, but it’s truly life-changing. 😉
My mission is to support children’s creativity and development by illustrating (and, hopefully soon, writing) books that inspire new generations to discover their own magical paintbrushes. They’re already perfect as they are - we just need to create a gentler world to support their potential.
It’s a Kind of Magic, 2024
An homage to Freddie Mercury: little Tina with her paintbrush moustache
“You can be anything you want to be / Just turn yourself into anything you think that you could ever be / Be free with your tempo be free be free / Surrender your ego be free be free to yourself” Queen, Innuendo
*All Images: Kristina Denadic
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You can follow and see Kristina's work here:
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Ell Rose is the Illustration Features Editor of Words & Pictures.
Contact them at illustrators@britishscbwi.org
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