“Stories are a communal currency of humanity.”
Tahir Shah
Welcome, global visitors!
I’m Janina G, an illustrator and storyteller at heart, based in Hamburg, Germany. I’m also a proud mom of twins and a passionate advocate for creativity. As an autistic person, I bring a unique perspective to everything I create.
Through my illustrations, I strive to connect with people by telling stories that inspire and spark emotion. I stay clear of political or religious topics, as I believe storytelling should unite us all—no matter where we’re from. That said, I am open to a wide range of subjects, from lighthearted and whimsical stories to more complex, emotional narratives.
I specialize in children’s books, fantasy illustrations and editorial illustrations. My editorial work focuses on themes such as lifestyle, mindfulness, emotional well-being, and parenting—topics that connect deeply with people and reflect the stories we share in everyday life.
I primarily work digitally and with watercolors to create illustrations that feel warm, inviting, and genuine, maybe even a bit nostalgic sometimes, without losing modern connection.
My work
My illustrations unite fantasy and feeling, perfect for children’s books and creative projects that touch the heart. Whether you're looking for whimsical, imaginative scenes or more grounded, emotionally resonant artwork, my work can bring your vision to life.
Feel free to browse each category of my portfolio
For Kids
Fantasy
Editorial Illustration
My process
Before we begin
When you reach out with your project idea, I’ll take the time to ask any necessary questions to clarify the details and ensure I fully understand your vision. This helps me provide an accurate estimate for both time and budget.
Once we’re aligned, I’ll send over the estimate. If you're happy with it, we proceed by securing the payment, and we can get started on bringing your idea to life.
The Concept
The first step in my process is creating a few rough sketches to capture the concept. Together, we’ll pick the one that feels right.
Then we’ll refine the color palette. Even if you have a specific set of colors in mind, I often suggest options to help you decide on the best placement and overall feel.
Finish
When we’re all set with the concept and colors, I’ll send you a refined sketch for your approval. After any final tweaks, I’ll create and deliver the finished illustration.
I typically work best with digital written communication and clear, concise feedback to keep the project moving forward smoothly.
Depending on the scope of the project and your timeline, this process can take anywhere from a week to several months, but I always make sure to keep you updated along the way.