My name is Vanessa Toye, and I am an illustrator based in France.

   Before the world of children’s books, there was a world of movies. I graduated from University with a BA in Cinema, which has proven useful for my understanding of composition, lighting and storyboarding. Narration plays a significant role in my work and the way I envision an illustration; a still frame captured out of a moving scene.

   In addition to picture books, I have had the opportunity of illustrating biographies and educational textbooks, as well as experimenting with games and puzzles.

   Having spent part of my childhood in a small remote Alpine village and later exploring the world has made nature, folklore and all sorts of old things, some recurring themes in my work. Additionally, I enjoy drawing characters and developing dramatic, funny or quirky scenarios around them.

   Illustrating is a magical adventure where you create a world for your characters and have the opportunity to live in it for a moment!