Molly the Mole by Stefanija Janovska

Stefanija is an author-illustrator based in Barcelona. She began her career as a costume and production designer for theatre and film before moving into illustration full-time. She has now illustrated eight published books and works across mixed media, combining acrylic paint, collage and digital techniques.

Stefanija completed both the HBS Mentorship Programme and the Creative Launch Programme, where she continued to develop her portfolio, strengthen her visual voice and position her work for new publishing opportunities.

Through the Creative Launch Programme and Helen Biles Studio outreach, Stefanija went on to secure two exciting publishing commissions.

Her work is now published by Little Gestalten in Pop: A Visual History by Annekathrin Kohout, and she was commissioned to illustrate Molly the Mole, as a pilot written by Silke Heimes for Weltentdecker Verlag.

Molly the Mole is a lovingly told story about big dreams, courage and the power of friendship — for little and big explorers. It is a modern picture book that moves beyond traditional gender stereotypes.

Here are some of the beautiful illustrations Stefanija created for the project.