Leah Hong

Based in Vancouver, Canada, Leah Hong draws inspiration from renowned illustrators such as Gyo Fujikawa, Richard Scarry, and Ryoji Araii. She works primarily with acrylic gouache on watercolor paper, often enhancing her work with colored pencils to add intricate details and texture. Critics praise Leah’s work as stunning, tender, and soothing—offering storytelling that resonates both visually and conceptually.

Although trained in design, Leah’s passion for picture books was sparked while reading to her own children, inspiring her to pursue a career in illustration. Today, she enjoys collaborating with authors, preferring to bring their stories to life rather than write her own.

Creating from a natural light-filled home studio, Leah is eager to explore new genres and themes, broadening her portfolio to include easy reader series, board books, and black-and-white illustrations for novels. Outside of her work, she finds joy in reading, taking long walks, visiting galleries and museums, and discovering new cuisines.