About | Lena Novikava
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Lena Novikava

About

I am an author-illustrator creating narrative visual stories inspired by nature, culture, and the connections between people and place. My work combines observation, research, and storytelling to create picture books and illustrations that invite children to look more closely, ask questions, and develop a deeper connection with the world around them.

My Practice

Every project begins with observation. I sketch, research, collect references, and spend time understanding the environments, histories, and communities that inspire each story. I don't think of research as preparation. It's an essential part of the creative process itself — it lets stories grow from genuine understanding, turning knowledge into meaningful visual narratives. Whether exploring ecosystems, cultural traditions, or imagined worlds, I aim to create stories that encourage curiosity, empathy, and a sense of wonder.

My Journey

Before dedicating myself to children's books and illustration, I spent many years working at the intersection of sustainability, education, and social impact. As Executive Director of the UN Global Compact in Belarus, and through collaborations with various international organisations and businesses advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, I worked on projects that explored the relationships between people, communities, culture, and the environment.

Those years profoundly shaped the way I see the world. They strengthened my belief that meaningful change begins with curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the connections that surround us. The medium has changed—from international programmes to picture books—but the questions at the heart of my work have stayed remarkably consistent. Today, I continue exploring those same ideas through narrative illustration, creating stories that encourage children to observe more closely, discover with curiosity, and build meaningful relationships with both the natural and cultural worlds they inhabit.

Clients & Collaborations

My clients include:

What I Create

My work includes:

The format changes, but every project is connected by the same intention: to create visual stories that encourage curiosity, deepen understanding, and help children discover meaningful connections with the world around them.

I believe stories can help us notice what we might otherwise overlook. Sometimes they introduce us to unfamiliar places or cultures. Sometimes they reveal the extraordinary within the everyday. In both cases, every story begins with paying attention.