Laëtitia Devernay

The French illustrator Laëtitia Devernay is a graduate of the Art Academy in Strasbourg, and the National Academy for Applied Arts in Paris. She also works as a graphic designer, and teaches illustration for children. She may be focusing on her illustration more in the near future.

Devernay recently won large at the 2012 V&A illustration awards for her 3rd book, “The Conductor” – Book Illustration Award and Overall Winner 2012. This book without words “tells” the story of a conductor who transforms a forest into flocks of birds. Devernay’s use of line and pattern expresses a playfulness that is quite enchanting.

Devernay has won plenty of awards before, including Teatrio’s International Illustration Competition “A Fabulous Yellow” (Venice), the 3rd CJ Picture Book Award 2011 (Korea), and an honorable mention at the Bologna Ragazzi Award 2011. Not bad, especially considering she’s only 29 at the time of the V&A awards – I imagine we’ll be seeing more from her for a long time to come. In the meantime, you can check out her blog or buy a copy of the Conductor of your very own.