We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katie Fisher a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Katie , appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to two things: helping people and expressing myself through art in all its forms.

At school, I struggled with undiagnosed learning challenges. Though teachers often said I was smart but unfocused, I now understand I live with ADHD, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. I was fortunate to be placed with a kind tutor who recognised my strengths. Rather than pushing rote learning, she encouraged me through creativity- helping me write and illustrate simple books for other students. Each week, I’d take the story home to draw the pictures, and she would bind them and share when others enjoyed reading them.

I didn’t realise it then, but at age 12, I had already touched on my life’s true creative path. After years working in advertising and print, I’ve finally come full circle- back to stories.

My mission is to create beautifully illustrated children’s books that nurture emotional intelligence, spark imagination, and offer comfort, especially to those who might also be neurodiverse.

Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s belief that books can help us heal by offering meaning, I see storytelling as a form of bibliotherapy- a gentle, creative way to support children in understanding their emotions and finding their inner strength. Through heartfelt narratives and expressive artwork, my stories are designed to help young readers feel seen, safe, and empowered as they navigate both everyday challenges and big feelings. My hope is that each book becomes a quiet companion- a source of magic, empathy, and healing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Katie Fisher a children’s book author and illustrator based in Auckland, New Zealand. I come from a background in sales, advertising and print, but I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, especially stories that hold emotional depth, gentle humour, and a touch of magic. I’ve recently completed my Postgraduate study in Creative Practice and am now pursuing my dream of writing and illustrating books that support the emotional wellbeing of children.

My work blends whimsical watercolor illustrations with heartfelt narratives that speak to the real feelings and challenges kids face – things like anxiety, self-doubt, friendship struggles, or the desire to belong. My debut children’s book introduces Freya the Fairy, a character who learns important life lessons in a playful and relatable way. Through her adventures, I aim to create space for children to build emotional intelligence, resilience, and a sense of self-worth.

What sets my work apart is the intentional layering of therapeutic value and visual storytelling. Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s belief that books can help heal – a form of bibliotherapy – I create stories that offer more than entertainment; they serve as quiet companions for children and families. I also take pride in creating every detail by hand, from the original watercolor illustrations to the layout and design, with care and love poured into each page.

At the heart of my brand is a commitment to kindness, connection, and creative honesty. I want my books to feel like a warm hug – a beautiful blend of story and soul. I’m here for the dreamers, the sensitive hearts, and the kids (and grownups) who need a reminder that they matter.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most challenging – and ultimately defining parts of my creative journey has been dealing with a long-term injury in both of my hands. I developed severe nerve compression and inflammation in my wrists and hands

which made drawing, writing, and even daily tasks incredibly painful. As an illustrator and someone who processes the world through making, this was emotionally devastating. There were months when I couldn’t hold a paintbrush, type, or even lift a cup without pain – and I had just begun illustrating my children’s book.

But I was determined not to give up on my story or my mission. I adapted everything – from how I held my tools to how I structured my days. I switched to painting in short sessions, using wrist braces, and even changed my technique to reduce strain. I worked with specialists, followed a strict recovery plan, and leaned deeply into patience and trust. It was slow, and there were many moments of doubt, but I am just about to complete my book – every page created with love, limitation, and resilience.

That experience shaped how I now approach my work. It reminded me that creativity isn’t just about output – it’s about presence, problem-solving, and perseverance. It also deepened my connection to the emotional themes in my stories, particularly the importance of kindness toward yourself when things feel hard.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes, one of the most meaningful concepts that’s shaped the way I approach both creativity and business is the Māori concept of mauri the life force or essence that exists within all things. Learning about mauri deepened my belief that our work holds energy, intention, and relational power. It reminded me that what we create; whether it’s a painting, a book, or a business – carries a part of our spirit. That understanding changed how I view success: it’s not just about external outcomes, but about the integrity, feeling, and life inside what we’re offering to others.

This idea has influenced everything from how I design my illustrations to how I connect with my audience. When I sit down to paint, I don’t just think about the image – I think about the emotional resonance it holds, the child it might comfort, and the little flicker of hope or wonder it might awaken. I’ve also started exploring whether basing characters on real-life people I care about can help preserve their ‘aura’ – their mauri -on the page. That connection between story and soul is where I believe the magic lives.

I’m also deeply inspired by Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, which explores how purpose can carry us through even the most difficult circumstances. His ideas around logotherapy and healing through meaning affirmed for me that creating books for children isn’t just about fun – it can also be a kind of emotional service. I try to build that intention into every story I write.

Other creative inspirations include artists like Beatrix Potter, Louis Wain and Tanja McMillan ( misery ) whose work blends fantasy, emotion, and storytelling in ways that feel both playful and profound. Seeing someone stay true to their vision while creating impact reminded me that there’s strength in softness – that emotional work is valid and valuable.

Together, these influences have helped me shape a creative philosophy rooted in care, connection, and authenticity – not just in what I create, but how I live and share it.

My book will be avalable worldwide for purchase November 2025.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/katie_fisher_art

Image Credits

Katie fisher 2025