Hello!
I am Alex Nees, children‘s book illustrator and author.
I was born in Germany, to a German mother and Choctaw father. I spent most of my early childhood in the US, before moving back to Germany permanently with my mother. For many years, I felt like I didn‘t belong. Picture books became my refuge even before I learned to read. Books were the one place where I felt recognized, and connected to the world.
I studied American literature and art history in Germany and the UK, following my love for storytelling and art. While at university, I rediscovered my passion for picture books, and taught myself to illustrate and write for children.
At its heart, my work is driven by storytelling, whether I am illustrating or writing. I find that picture books have a special kind of magic to them, making them both delightful and profound. Remembering what they meant to me as a child, creating books now feels like an incredible honor, and a great joy.
I am a full member of the IO, Germany‘s association of illustrators. I have also completed two six-month mentorships, one with Giuseppe Castellano from the Illustration Department, and another with children‘s book illustrator Friederike Ablang through the IO.
My picture book dummy Look, Daddy, Look!, a sweet story about a little girl and her ridiculously distracted dad, was longlisted for the 2022 Key Colours picture book competition.
The IO has selected one of my illustrations for their 2022 postcard giveaway at the Frankfurt book fair, a yearly tradition I am very happy to be a part of.
I live in Erlangen, in the south of Germany, with my seven-year-old daughter and a Siberian Husky.
contact
I am represented by Sarah Dillard at Painted Words.
You can also follow my work and process on instagram: @alexneesart