Five Little Pumpkins

Vanja Kragulj is a Canadian illustrator and graphic designer originally from the former Yugoslavia. She studied visual communications design at Alberta University of the Arts and initially started out as an illustrator and graphic designer for children’s fashion in Montreal, Quebec. Since then, she has worked as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator on projects ranging from children’s product design, environmental graphics design, commercial illustration, public art and children’s publishing. Vanja’s work is very much inspired by her graphic design background, so composition, color and pattern are key, with a sprinkle of whimsy. She is passionate about creating work that is fun and colorful and adds beauty to the world. When she’s not illustrating, Vanja teaches children and adult illustration workshops and is a regular visitor to the local library children’s book section. She lives with her son Jun, husband Kenji, and their miniature husky, Hero, in Calgary.