Artist Feature – Sian James Jul 19 2024

This month we are highlighting the incredible Sian James as our Featured Artist! With a background in early medieval archaeology, Sian brings a unique perspective to children's book illustration. She blends her passion for human history and culture with her creativity to make detailed stories come to life.

“I was an archaeologist of the early medieval period before becoming a children’s book illustrator, and I think this has deeply influenced how I approach my work. I enjoy researching the themes and topics of my projects and gathering pieces of information, and then I set my creativity to work and create worlds with tangible details and people who live out their stories.”

Sian's beautifully researched and detailed work has become quite popular since she started with us five years ago. She has now published worldwide, from the UK and Spain to France, Australia, and the US. She says she is “grateful to have the opportunity to work with so many different publishers and authors from all over the world."

Looking back on all of her published work, two of Sian's projects stand out to her. One is Dream Big for Kids, a captivating picture book created in collaboration with HarperCollins and authors Bob Goff and Lindsey Goff Viducich. Another was designing the cover for All Four Quarters of the Moon by Shirley Marr, named Indie Book of the Month in the UK. This one was particularly memorable because she got involved with her community to promote it. 

“I was invited by the publisher Usborne and a local bookshop in Thetford, in the east of England, to paint a shop window to promote the book. It was a truly special experience!”

Currently, Sian is diving into two new picture book ideas:

“My agent Atlanta linked me up with the lovely folks at Caroline Wakeman Literary Agency. For a long time I have dreamt about becoming an author–illustrator one day, and I am really excited to share these books with you in the near future.”

We are so excited to help support Sian’s dreams. For nearly five years, Sian has been with us, growing into the great illustrator she is today. When asked about working with Advocate, she said:

“The agents at Advocate are so friendly and always here to assist with any queries about projects, but more importantly to help me push myself further and higher in my creative journey.” 

Sian will continue to grow around the world as she brings human history and imagination together to create stories that captivate children. We can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!

Interested in seeing more? Click HERE to see Sian's full portfolio!

Awards:

Wherever You Are. Winner of the Northern Lights Book Award 2023 – Picture Book (Pre-school category)

To the Earth and Back. Honorable Mention of the Royal Dragonfly Award 2022 – Picture Books 5 & Younger

A Vote for Susanna. Kansas Notable Book 2022 (by the State Library of Kansas)

Advocate Art illustration agency specializes in art licensing and children’s book illustrations. Based in London, Seville, New York, L.A., and Singapore, we represent leading illustrators who produce children's and decorative work to commission or license.