Polish illustrator and painter.
Born, living, and working in Kraków, Anna Sędziwy first studied philosophy at the Jagiellonian University, followed by graphic arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków. She works primarily with illustration, drawing, and painting.
Her works have been exhibited both in Poland and internationally, including in Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Slovakia, and Portugal. She collaborates with numerous publishing houses.
Anna considers herself incredibly fortunate to work in illustration, a profession she sees as a bridge to childhood, including her own. In her view, illustration is more than one can imagine—especially in a world that, for many, no longer feels optimistic.
Anna Sędziwy has developed a distinctive personal style, marked by:
Soft, natural color palettes – She often uses gentle, earthy tones with moderate saturation. Yet she knows how to use color to highlight key elements in a composition.
Harmonious hues, especially fitting for themes of nature, childhood, legends, or folklore – her color choices often reflect elements like soil, plants, and landscapes.
Smooth, flowing lines – Her illustrations are rarely sharp or angular. Figures, animals, plants, and scenery are outlined with a soft, slightly stylized hand.
Balanced compositions – Carefully arranged elements with a sense of proportion and often a calm, static or gently dynamic perspective.
A strong sense of narrative – Her works invite the viewer into a story, rich with detail, mood, emotion, or gesture.
Children’s books, educational titles, nature-based stories, fairy tales, and legends
A recurring focus on animals, plants, and the natural world—sometimes as setting, other times as central characters.
Her work often reflects a deep observational understanding of the environment and its creatures.
Her illustrations evoke a warm, gentle, and often lyrical tone.
They are never aggressive or overly dramatic—instead, they radiate empathy and calm.
There is frequently a touch of nostalgia, a feeling of something “from another time.” Her images carry a timeless quality, reminiscent of classic illustrations, vintage books, or traditional stories.
