Serena Geddes

Serena Geddes, an international author and illustrator, has worked for Disney Studios, teaches art and is an avid lover of dogs (particularly Havanese).

She has illustrated over seventy titles from picture books to middle grade readers, and is about to step into the colourful world of graphic novels.

Some of Serena’s work includes the Lulu Bell series, We Are Matildas and her most recent comic series Miles From Home. As a Disney artist she worked on sequels to the Lion King, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid and Jungle Book which has enabled her to capture emotion and movement with her characters and illustrations.

Serena’s first graphic novel Ella Forever : School Rivals was released on the 1st of February 2026.

TALKS

My Disney Days: From Story to Screen

Years 3-7

Before becoming a children’s book creator, Serena spent six years working at Walt Disney Studios in Sydney as an artist on highly recognised animated sequels, including The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, Peter Pan: Return to Neverland and The Jungle Book II.
In this visual presentation, Serena shares what goes into making a traditionally animated film from early concept sketches and character design, to storyboarding, clean-up, colour and final production. She explains how these hand-drawn processes paved the way for the CGI animation we see today.
Drawing on her own artwork and experiences working on Simba’s Pride, Serena takes students behind the scenes of a real Disney production, offering insight into collaboration and the many departments involved in bringing a story to life on screen. This session is fun, inspiring, and perfect for students curious about art, animation, storytelling or how their favourite films are made.

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WORKSHOPS

From Sketch to Story: Creating Ella Forever

Years 3-6

Join author and illustrator Serena Geddes as she shares how Ella’s Year 6 story came to life, from early sketches and messy drafts to the finished graphic novel. Students will discover how graphic novels are structured, how words and pictures work together, and how to create characters readers truly care about.
In this engaging session, students will:
Explore the basics of graphic novel storytelling
See Serena’s real drawing process
Write the opening of their own story
Learn how to show emotion through illustration
In workshop format students will also draw Ella (or design their own Year 6 character) and begin crafting the opening scene of their story.

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The Hero’s Journey: Creating Characters with Courage

Years 5-8

What makes a character unforgettable?
Serena introduces students to the basics of powerful storytelling through the lens of The Hero’s Journey. Drawing on her experience as a graphic novelist and former Disney artist, she shares the essential building blocks for beginning a story.
Students will brainstorm and sketch their own original character, explore personality traits,and identify a meaningful story challenge. Through guided prompts they’ll begin shaping the opening of their own narrative with tools they can continue developing beyond the session.
Blending visual thinking with creative writing, this session is ideal for visual learners, reluctant writers, and curious storytellers.

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