In our latest Meet the Artist piece, we meet the very talented Rachel Katstaller. Rachel joins the LKP children’s list with her first commission for our Little Guides to Great Lives series: this beautifully designed and illustrated guide to one of the most forward-thinking scientific thinkers of all time; Charles Darwin joins our lineup of big thinkers, activists, reformers and individuals who followed their passion to create lasting change in society in many different ways.

Charles Darwin’s ideas about evolution caused both outrage and wonder, and quickly made him one of the most famous men in history. From his five-year voyage across the high seas to 20 years of research, follow Darwin on his adventure to prove a theory that would change the world.

Rachel’s incredible illustrations really bring Darwin’s story to life, so we thought we’d find out more about her process and her creative life – she is originally from tropical El Salvador, and has recently relocated to the Alps along with her cat, Hemingway.

Welcome to the blog Rachel, what is your favourite thing about being an illustrator?

That I get to create my own version of the world and share it with others.

Where is your favourite place to find inspiration and/ or illustrate?

I love talking walks in my town and making up stories about the people and small creatures who lived in the old historic buildings.

Who would you love to collaborate with most?

My grandmother, I would love to create a book inspired by her stories! She is one of my favorite storytellers of all time.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who wants to start creating their own art?

Never stop creating. Inspiration is there, you just need to dig deep in yourself to find it!

You can learn more about our Little Guides to Great Lives series here.

And you can find out more about Rachel’s art here and visit her Etsy shop here.