Hello, I’m Mila.

I’m an illustrator, a dreamer and a storyteller. My favorite themes revolve around the comfort of solitude, daydreaming, kindness, empathy, exploration and adventures. I love creating characters and building a world for them to live in.

Children’s book illustrator portfolio

If you're a publisher or author looking for a children's book illustrator for hire, get in touch and let's create something special together!

Design portfolio

As a designer, I blend graphic design, illustration, and UX skills to create high quality brands that truly stand out. Explore a curated selection of work I’ve crafted over the years.

Custom character linework illustration in flat design style, standing next to a notification inbox, ideal for children's book or picture book design
Cute cat character in flat design style, wearing a yellow jumper and holding a laptop, perfect for custom illustrations in children's books and UX design
A custom map illustration of the city of Gdansk, showcasing landmarks and unique details. This map is perfect for a children’s book that explores new places or adventures.

Who am I?

Profile picture of a woman smiling

Born in Poland at the dawn of the Soviet Union, I’ve lived a nomadic life between Poland, England, and Spain, now calling both Warsaw and Barcelona home. I think in English, speak in Spanish, and dream in Polish. My career has always been centered around design and visual art—from graphic design, custom tattoo, to UX/UI design. Now, I'm a full-time storyteller and a children book illustrator.

My blog

On my blog, I share the tips, tricks, and insights I pick up while learning and growing as a self-taught illustrator. I know it can be overwhelming to navigate through the endless sea of available resources, so I hope what I share can help make the journey a little easier for others.

illustration of a flower character smiling

I thought I had it all figured out. My illustrations were pretty, my colors were harmonious, my technique wasn’t too bad, and I was getting a lot of positive feedback. But…

custom illustration of a color wheel character smiling

When I first started out as an illustrator, I had a major preference for blue. Why? Simply because it’s my favorite color! I loved the consistency of having a signature color palette…

loose sketch of a girl dancing and playing with a giant egg

Sketching is truly where the magic happens. As an illustrator, I've come to understand that those rough, messy sketches are not just important but essential to the creative process…

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People who worked with me said:

In her role as Founding Designer, Milena Milak consistently produced high-quality work that delighted everyone. She has a keen eye for color, composition, and visual storytelling. Beyond her artistic talents, Milena is a true team player and collaborator.

Hannes Benson, Senior Backend Developer

I've enjoyed working with Milena Milak on two illustration projects, each with a unique creative direction with illustrations and brand. While she is a talented illustrator with a distinct style, she also has the flexibility, chops, and attention to detail to interpret creative direction and deliver something completely different.

Bojana Jam, Principal Product Designer

I have worked with Milena Milak on three separate projects where Milena contributed with her unique digital illustration and style. Every time I could count on her creative and individual approach. She did great coming up with new ideas in response to our feedback.

Christiane Collinge, Senior Product Marketing Manager

Representation

I’m seeking representation to collaborate with a children book illustration agent who shares my passion for storytelling.