Ekaterina (‘Katya’) Tabakh was born in Moscow, Russia. She grew up in an artistic family that taught her painting, drawing, and art composition—which inspired her to go to art school. After graduating from the Moscow Art Theater School with an MA in Theatrical Set Design, Katya decided to pursue a different artistic direction by starting a career in classical drawn animation.

She was employed as an animator in the US and Russia. Throughout the years, Katya worked under many different art directors with very different artistic visions—which taught her to be flexible and adaptable with her style.

Later, Katya became fascinated with the art of book illustration. Pivoting from animation to book illustration has allowed her the freedom to express her creative voice. Katya illustrates children’s books for all ages, from toddlers to young adult readers. Her debut books were published in collaboration with Michitani (Japan), in 2006. In addition to illustrating, Katya also writes her own picture books.

She moved to the US in the mid-1990s and currently lives with her family in the lovely city of San Francisco. She enjoys drawing, painting, and teaching children’s arts and crafts. During her leisure time, she loves hiking and finding inspiration in nature.

Katya is represented by Jen Newens at Martin Literary Management agency. For inquiries please contact the agent directly at jen@martinliterarymanagement.com

Awards and Achievements:

2023: Portfolio People’s Choice Award – San Francisco Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators – Illustrator Day

Winner – The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Draw This! September BOOK COVER MOCK-UP prompt

2022: Kirkus Reviews – My Papa My Prince (picture book written by Keegan Brown):
        – Starred review
        – Featured in “Best Indie Books of April”
        – Featured in “100 Best Indie Books of 2022” 

2019: Portfolio Honorable Mention – San Francisco Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators – Illustrator Day

2018: Finalist – The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Bologna Illustration Gallery

Silver Medal – The 22nd Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards: Children’s Picture Book category – The Silly Parade and Other Topsy-Turvy Poems (as editor/art director)

2017: First-Place Winner – The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Tomie dePaola Illustration Award

2016: Finalist – Artists Magazine’s Annual Art Competition

Please feel free to drop her a line!