Bio:

Maja Sereda was born in Warsaw, Poland. In 1989, at the age of 10, Maja and her family moved to South Africa. She attended Pro Arte Alphen Park High School (PTA) and graduated from the University of Pretoria with a (BA)Information Design. For the past 7 years she has been living and working in Johannesburg. Currently Maja is freelancing as an illustrator and is the sole owner of Bittersweet Studios.

Maja has been illustrating children’s books since 2006. She does hand drawn illustrations using either pencil, gouache, watercolour, charcoal or ink, as well as digitally coloured illustrations. Maja is currently working on her 11th book which will be released in 2010.

Apart from Maja’s passion for art and illustration for children, she has worked in the field of advertising, design and fine art. Maja has taken part in a group exhibition in 2006 at the Art Images gallery in Johannesburg. Number of her paintings are in private collections in South Africa and Ireland. Lastly, Maja has also worked as a colourist for the creators of Madam & Eve cartoon strip for 4 years.

Awards:
* ATKV children’s book award, (category ages 3- 6) for best illustration 2008, for Danie Dreyer se dinosauruseier en ander alfabetpret written by Jaco Jacobs.

* ATKV children’s book award (category ages 3- 6) for best illustration 2009, for Liewe land, ‘n olifant! written
by Jaco Jacobs.

* ATKV children’s book award (category ages 3- 6) for best illustration 2011, for Hoekom praat grootmense so snaaks? written by Keina Swart.

* 2011 Crystal Kite member choice award for Africa Region for A kite's flight written by William Gumede.

Illustrator
PAL
Member since 2010
Region: South Africa

Contact Information

Current Location:   Johannesburg
Website:  http://catching-rabbits.blogspot.com/

Published In Children's Market: Yes