Designer, Illustrator, Storyteller
Ko Tahlia tōku ingoa. I am a designer, illustrator and storyteller from Aotearoa, New Zealand, with whakapapa to Kāi Tahu and Ngāi Te Rangi. I am currently based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
I specialise in design thinking, illustration and visual design. Through my design practice, I have developed a space where I can craft stories that influence solutions and inspire change in practical and meaningful ways. 
I believe in using design and storytelling for social impact. Over the past years few years I have worked in the New Zealand publishing industry, specialising in Māori publishing as an illustrator and book designer. I have also been privileged to do work in spaces where I can influence social change through storytelling. Engagement with communities and a range of organisations has given me the chance to develop narratives and visuals that represent and reflect community voices and aspirations. 
My work is grounded in te ao Māori and pūrākau, and I am continually exploring ways to elevate and honour Indigenous voices through visual storytelling. My illustration work has shaped me into an empathetic, reflective creative, one who is committed to listening to, and telling stories that matter.
I have a Bachelor of Design Innovation from Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington with a double major in Industrial Design and Communication Design.
Awards:
Shortlisted, Runner up for the 2025 Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand Emerging Designer at the PANZ Book Design Awards 2025
Communication Design Excellence award 2021,
Victoria University School of Design Innovation
Deans list for academic excellence 2019 - 2021 
Skills:
Graphic design
Illustration
Publication and editorial design, book design
Typesetting
Marketing and communications
Information design
Branding
Creative and art direction
Projection and animated design
Human-centred design, co-design and workshop facilitation
Organisations I've worked with:
Ara Poutama, Department of Corrections
EverythingAlways
Huia Publishers
Ministry of Education
Morphum Environmental
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Nas, Collective

Problem Gambling Foundation
Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand
ThinkPlace New Zealand
Te Pou Oranga o Te Whakatōhea Charitable Trust
Victoria University of Wellington
WERO — Working to End Racial Oppression
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View my work