Cross the bridge—step into story.

I don’t just draw—I reveal, explain, and build bridges to bring ideas to light.

I’m Janina Graeff, an illustrator based in Hamburg, mother of twins, and an unapologetically autistic thinker. I don’t see myself as an artist in the traditional sense—I see myself as an illustrator in the truest meaning of the word: to illuminate, to clarify, to uncover. My work isn’t just about creating images—it’s about building bridges between knowledge and understanding, and making complex ideas visible, feelable, and relatable.

With a background in German studies, history, and archaeology, my passion for discovery has never stopped. I dive deep into research—psychology, neurodiversity, law, and history—seeking to understand how we think, how we perceive the world, and how stories shape us. I bring this same depth into my illustrations, ensuring they are not just visually striking but accurate, insightful, and meaningful.

I specialize in children’s books, editorial illustration, and fantasy—because even the most whimsical stories reveal something true about our minds and our world. Whether I’m helping children find their voices through relatable imagery or breaking down complex ideas in editorial work, my goal is always the same: to build bridges that connect, illuminate, and make the invisible visible.

For me, illustration isn’t just an art form—it’s a bridge to understanding, a way to process the world, and a method for clarifying my thoughts and memories. Through my work, I capture the essence of life’s chaos, helping both myself and others navigate it with clarity.

Let’s build the bridge to your story—reach out, and let’s create something meaningful together.