Vanina Starkoff

Vanina Starkoff is an Argentine illustrator and author born in Buenos Aires in 1981. She studied Graphic Design at the University of Buenos Aires and later trained in children’s book illustration at Sótano Blanco, where she studied with illustrator José Sanabria. Her first picture book, Bailar en las nubes, was a finalist for the III Compostela International Prize for Picture Books in 2010, and her work has since been published in numerous countries across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. 

Known for her vibrant color, expressive landscapes, and strong visual storytelling, Starkoff has received several international distinctions, including honorable mentions in Mexico’s A la orilla del viento and Invenciones competitions, a finalist selection for Brazil’s Jabuti Award, and two consecutive finalist selections for the Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition in Shanghai. She has lived in Brazil since 2014, where she continues to work on children’s books and other illustrated projects.