Meet the Creator
Kiri Østergaard Leonard is an award-winning fantasy artist, children’s book illustrator and storyteller from the oldest Kingdom in the world: Denmark. She is passionate about folklore, mythology, and its impact on the human experience. She’s also enamored with imagination, nature, animals, whimsical worlds, fantasy art and the psychology behind, which are topics she frequently explores in her work.
Kiri is a storyteller at heart, and is currently working on two book projects of her own making: Montague Mouse and Locke the Legend. In her work she combines deeper themes of life with adventurous, whimsical, wondrous visuals, and sometimes with a touch of darkness and mystery.
Kiri’s Background
Kiri grew up in a small village of 180 people in Denmark. In her childhood, she was surrounded by beautiful nature and a wide variety of farmstead animals, something she draws inspiration from till this day. While still living in Denmark she attended The Academy of Fine Arts in Aarhus, before leaving her home country behind to continue her studies at the Pratt Institute in New York City. She was only able to afford one year at Pratt Institute, afterward she took the leap and began her career as a freelance artist. She now resides in Austin, Texas with her beloved husband, where she thrives as a full-time creator.
Beyond art Kiri is passionate about animal welfare, gaming, and D&D. She currently has the pleasure of sharing her quarters with four rescue felines (Minnie, Mishu, Minion & Moxxi) and two rescue guinea pigs named Guineavere & Popchop.
She is represented by Elizabeth Bewley of Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc.
Clients:
Multiverse Investments, 3dTotal, Paizo, AEG, Spider Magazine, Privateer Press, Mayfair Games, Dover Publications, Llewellyn Worldwide, ImagineFX, Sulis International and more.
Published:
Pathfinder, VIKING Magazine, VØLSE Magazine, PAGAN Magazine, Spider Magazine, ImagineFX, 3dTotal, The ArtOrder, Llewellyn Worldwide, Infected by Art and more.
Honors:
Chen Bochui International Children’s Literature Award, American Tarot Association Reader’s Choice Awards, Exposé Best Storytelling Art Nomination, Tarosophy Awards: Best Tarot Deck of the Year, CARTA Awards: Best Tarot Collaboration
Get in Touch / Hire
Please feel free to email me if you have questions or want to discuss a project. I try to respond to inquiries within 2-3 business days when my schedule permits. Commissions start at $500+.
My schedule is currently tied up in three book projects, and therefore I cannot take on anymore commissions for full children’s books. I am available for book covers.
Email: hello@kirileonard.com
