Daria Lukyanova (she/her) is a children's book author and illustrator who was born and raised in Russia but now lives in Edinburgh, UK. Her love of adventure and nature frames her stories of self-discovery and individuality - something she finds deep resonance with in other forms of media.

In 2026 she graduated from MA Authorial Practice Illustration course at Falmouth University with distinction. In 2022 she also finished BA Illustration course at Arts University Bournemouth with First Class Honours. Daria worked with The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares to help bring stories written by children during workshops to life and enjoyed the absurdity and fun that came out of it.

When not drawing, Daria is consumed by the world of books with morally grey characters, twists and mysteries. Her Day Skipper license takes her outside to sail sometimes and makes her feel happy to be alive. And unwinding with a cup of matcha and learning Hozier on acoustic guitar helps her to keep going.