About

Laya is an illustrator & designer from Aotearoa New Zealand who loves fantasy and nature. She works in a variety of spaces, including an interactive/animated webcomic, four picture books with Huia Publishers, many book cover designs, as well as lots of illustrations and merch inspired by her love of nature and her favourite books. She was nominated for a Hugo award in 2021 and 2023 for her book art.

I WANT A COMMISSION!

I price commission work on a case by case basis, please read here and email with enquiries, and let me know if you have a budget! I am not actively taking new clients at the moment, but might occasionally be able to fit in something small.

contact email: layarosemr (at) gmail (dot) com

AWARDS

Joint winner of the NZCYA Te Kura Pounamu award - 2021, for Ngake Me Whātaitai (Huia Publishers)

Sir Julius Vogel award for Best Professional Artwork and Best Fan Artwork- 2021, for No Man's Land and Red and Blue

Sir Julius Vogel award for Best Fan Publication and Best Fan Artwork- 2020, for Plant Life and Deet

Joint winner of the NZCYA Te Kura Pounamu award - 2020, for Tio Tiamu / The Smelly Giant (Huia Publishers)

Sir Julius Vogel award for Best Professional Artwork and Best Fan Artwork- 2019; for Baker Thief and The Thirteenth Doctor

Finalist for the Chroma Comic Art Art Award, 2019; for Overgrown

Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best Publication - 2018, for Mistlands

Rutherford Gallery Special Arts Prize, Proxime Accessit to the Dux - 2014, Nelson College for Girls

School Diaries Cover Competition winner 2014