Ulrike Mieke | Illustrator

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Children's book Illustrator Ulrike Mieke drawing on location, Brighton and Hove.

Children's book illustrator,
designer & maker

Hi - I'm Ulrike Mieke, a South African Children's book Illustrator who loves drawing little humans, and capturing moments of childhood.

Let's work together!

A class of swimmers by Children's Book Illustrator Ulrike Mieke

Sleeping leopard and her cubs surrounded by the grass and dandelions by Ulrike Mieke is a freelance South African Children's book Illustrator based in Brighton, represented by Bright.

Bus Scene copy 2.jpg

View my Portfolio

House portrait commission by Brighton based Illustrator Ulrike Mieke

House Portraits

Celebrate the place you love with a personalized custom house portrait, illustrated with care and character - a beautiful keepsake or heartfelt gift.

It’s #nationalillustrationday - this rollercoaster world of great highs and some lows. From meeting amazing people, reading books and visiting bookshops as a to-do on the list, freedom and creativity, drawing as a job, making a mess and saying it’s for work, making drawings that bring so much joy or filling tiny sketchbooks with scribbles that become stories. To lots of tears, boring admin, sad part-time jobs, rainy market days, sad emails and tearing up flops and fails. But I do love it and would never trade it, I’m just going to keep going!

One of the big things for me that’s come with this world, the community. The people are good and kind, and I’ve made friends simply because we both like to draw.
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#illustration#illustrator#illustrationskidlitart

It’s #nationalillustrationday - this rollercoaster world of great highs and some lows. From meeting amazing people, reading books and visiting bookshops as a to-do on the list, freedom and creativity, drawing as a job, making a mess and saying it’s for work, making drawings that bring so much joy or filling tiny sketchbooks with scribbles that become stories. To lots of tears, boring admin, sad part-time jobs, rainy market days, sad emails and tearing up flops and fails. But I do love it and would never trade it, I’m just going to keep going!

One of the big things for me that’s come with this world, the community. The people are good and kind, and I’ve made friends simply because we both like to draw.
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#illustration#illustrator#illustrationskidlitart

Day 7 of #folktaleweek - AH, I actually made it - 7 days!

Crawling out of the tent,
where her two brothers slept soundly,
She was greeted by the gentle
charms of the night

“Morning dawn.” she said bravely.
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.
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In hindsight, this story could definitely do with a edit or three - but at the end of the day, it was so good just to mess around and play with textures, colour and light. I'll be sharing more on my process over on my Substack! Will share soon! Link in bio if you'd like to sign up, I would appreciate the support!
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Till next year @folktaleweek
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#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
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.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

Day 7 of #folktaleweek - AH, I actually made it - 7 days!

Crawling out of the tent,
where her two brothers slept soundly,
She was greeted by the gentle
charms of the night

“Morning dawn.” she said bravely.
.
.
.
In hindsight, this story could definitely do with a edit or three - but at the end of the day, it was so good just to mess around and play with textures, colour and light. I'll be sharing more on my process over on my Substack! Will share soon! Link in bio if you'd like to sign up, I would appreciate the support!
.
.
Till next year @folktaleweek
.
.
#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

Day 6 of #folktaleweek

The night filled with a quiet storm...
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#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

Day 6 of #folktaleweek

The night filled with a quiet storm...
.
.
.
#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

Still here doing #folktaleweek...or trying at least...

Day 5 of #folktaleweek

ZZZzzz...ZZZzzz..

Shhh...Felix, quiet!
AHh! LOOK!
It can’t be...

He was gentle, quiet and brave.
And I was not, I must be dreaming?...
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.
.
#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

Still here doing #folktaleweek...or trying at least...

Day 5 of #folktaleweek

ZZZzzz...ZZZzzz..

Shhh...Felix, quiet!
AHh! LOOK!
It can’t be...

He was gentle, quiet and brave.
And I was not, I must be dreaming?...
.
.
.
.
#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

A little bit late today...life + work work = reality

Day 4 of #folktaleweek

Did you hear that?
There! Felix?
There it is again!

But Felix didn’t hear him,
he continued to read aloud
from his book, just like he
did every night before bedtime.
.
.
.
.
#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

A little bit late today...life + work work = reality

Day 4 of #folktaleweek

Did you hear that?
There! Felix?
There it is again!

But Felix didn’t hear him,
he continued to read aloud
from his book, just like he
did every night before bedtime.
.
.
.
.
#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

Day 3 of #folktaleweek

DRIP DRIP DRIP...

Felix!

The tent is leaking! LOOK!

“Ah, it’s just a couple of drops.
There’s nothing to be worried about.”

But a different kind of storm
was brewing...
.
.
.
.
#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

Day 3 of #folktaleweek

DRIP DRIP DRIP...

Felix!

The tent is leaking! LOOK!

“Ah, it’s just a couple of drops.
There’s nothing to be worried about.”

But a different kind of storm
was brewing...
.
.
.
.
#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

Day 2 of #folktaleweek

'HOO HOO...'

Did you hear that?

HOO HOO...
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Fun fact for you...I can make a really really good owl sound (like really good! - maybe I should add it to my CV?) So just imagine...HOO HOO....
.
.
#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

Day 2 of #folktaleweek

'HOO HOO...'

Did you hear that?

HOO HOO...
.
.
.
Fun fact for you...I can make a really really good owl sound (like really good! - maybe I should add it to my CV?) So just imagine...HOO HOO....
.
.
#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

I'm going to try my best to join Folktale Week - here we go! Each day, I will be sharing a illustration and a bit of a story, my lovely mentor @ellamorella encouraged me last year to take part in Folktale week and use it as an opportunity to develop my storytelling, so here we go again!

Day 1

'They decided to brave the dark and starry night.

Shhh..whispered Felix, you'll wake her.
.
.
.
#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

I'm going to try my best to join Folktale Week - here we go! Each day, I will be sharing a illustration and a bit of a story, my lovely mentor @ellamorella encouraged me last year to take part in Folktale week and use it as an opportunity to develop my storytelling, so here we go again!

Day 1

'They decided to brave the dark and starry night.

Shhh..whispered Felix, you'll wake her.
.
.
.
#folktaleweek @folktaleweek
#folktaleweek2025
#folktaleweeknight

And many thanks to the hosts:
@matejalukezic
@louve.draws
@debrastyer
.
.
.
#childrensbook#kidlit#kidlitillustration#childrenpublishing

Autumn rush🍁
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#illustration#illustrator#illustrator#kidlit#kidlitillustration#kidlitartist#kidlitartists#kidlitillustrator#kidlit#childrensbookillustration #childrensbooks #kidlit #kidlitpostcard #mixedmediaillustration #illustration #drawing#childrensbookillustration#Illustration #IllustrationArt #ChildrensBooksPublishing#childrensbookillustrator

Autumn rush🍁
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#illustration#illustrator#illustrator#kidlit#kidlitillustration#kidlitartist#kidlitartists#kidlitillustrator#kidlit#childrensbookillustration #childrensbooks #kidlit #kidlitpostcard #mixedmediaillustration #illustration #drawing#childrensbookillustration#Illustration #IllustrationArt #ChildrensBooksPublishing#childrensbookillustrator

I recently drew a lovely friend's home, they'd just moved into it after what felt like years of searching and waiting for the perfect home!

It was so fun and quite addictive, so I started to draw a bunch, so I thought why not! I'd love to draw your home - if you're a new home owner or would like a beautiful keepsake of your home - pop me a DM or follow the link in my bio for more details!

I'll be taking a limited number of house portraits this season - each drawing is an original, hand painted house portrait.

Perfect Christmas gifts...wink wink, hint hint!

Link in Bio for more information
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#illustration#illustrator#illustrator #illustration#housedrawing#houseportait#portrait#house#drawing

I recently drew a lovely friend's home, they'd just moved into it after what felt like years of searching and waiting for the perfect home!

It was so fun and quite addictive, so I started to draw a bunch, so I thought why not! I'd love to draw your home - if you're a new home owner or would like a beautiful keepsake of your home - pop me a DM or follow the link in my bio for more details!

I'll be taking a limited number of house portraits this season - each drawing is an original, hand painted house portrait.

Perfect Christmas gifts...wink wink, hint hint!

Link in Bio for more information
.
.
.
#illustration#illustrator#illustrator #illustration#housedrawing#houseportait#portrait#house#drawing

All the birds🦆🦜🐧

I've been working away, on some non-fiction pieces, I'll be sharing more soon. I absolutely love themes of nature, gardening and exploring different cultures and countries through my illustration.

If you're interested in working with me, pop me a message or reach out to my agent @georgiatournay

....gotta love a little bit of self-promotion! The never-ending stream of illustration podcasts made me do it!
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#illustration#illustrator#illustrator#kidlit#kidlitillustration#kidlitartist#kidlitartists#kidlitillustrator#kidlit#childrensbookillustration #childrensbooks #kidlit #kidlitpostcard #mixedmediaillustration #illustration #drawing#childrensbookillustration#Illustration #IllustrationArt #ChildrensBooksPublishing#childrensbookillustrator

All the birds🦆🦜🐧

I've been working away, on some non-fiction pieces, I'll be sharing more soon. I absolutely love themes of nature, gardening and exploring different cultures and countries through my illustration.

If you're interested in working with me, pop me a message or reach out to my agent @georgiatournay

....gotta love a little bit of self-promotion! The never-ending stream of illustration podcasts made me do it!
.
.
.
#illustration#illustrator#illustrator#kidlit#kidlitillustration#kidlitartist#kidlitartists#kidlitillustrator#kidlit#childrensbookillustration #childrensbooks #kidlit #kidlitpostcard #mixedmediaillustration #illustration #drawing#childrensbookillustration#Illustration #IllustrationArt #ChildrensBooksPublishing#childrensbookillustrator

Just show up.

Working away, alone and showing up each week is really hard, I don’t have a line manager who asks “what are you working on?” I am the line manager, admin, HR, Illustrator and social media manager - lots of hats! And sometimes this job can be very tricky and discouraging, so I am showing up, and will keep showing up🌞

Ignore all the oily hair, grey curls and double chin - that’s just life!
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#illustration#illustrator#illustrator#kidlit#kidlitillustration#kidlitartist#kidlitartists#kidlitillustrator#kidlit#walktosee#sketchdaily#sketchbooks#sketchaday#sketcheveryday#sketchartist#childrensbookillustration #childrensbooks #kidlit #kidlitpostcard #mixedmediaillustration #illustration #drawing#childrensbookillustration#artwave#kidlitillustration#kidlit# #Illustration #IllustrationArt #ChildrensBooksPublishing#ChildrensBookIllustrator

Just show up.

Working away, alone and showing up each week is really hard, I don’t have a line manager who asks “what are you working on?” I am the line manager, admin, HR, Illustrator and social media manager - lots of hats! And sometimes this job can be very tricky and discouraging, so I am showing up, and will keep showing up🌞

Ignore all the oily hair, grey curls and double chin - that’s just life!
.
.
.
#illustration#illustrator#illustrator#kidlit#kidlitillustration#kidlitartist#kidlitartists#kidlitillustrator#kidlit#walktosee#sketchdaily#sketchbooks#sketchaday#sketcheveryday#sketchartist#childrensbookillustration #childrensbooks #kidlit #kidlitpostcard #mixedmediaillustration #illustration #drawing#childrensbookillustration#artwave#kidlitillustration#kidlit# #Illustration #IllustrationArt #ChildrensBooksPublishing#ChildrensBookIllustrator

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