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.
I live in Aabenraa, a picturesque sea-side town in the south of Denmark, with my nine-year-old daughter Charlie.
contact
I am represented by Sarah Dillard at Painted Words.