Got a curious soul and a pesky idea (or seven) that just won’t quit?
You’re in the right nest.
Welcome to
Pesky Plover Studio
Pesky Plover Studio is a soft place to land for storytellers and whimsy-seekers alike.
Whether you’ve got a manuscript in need of a loving overhaul, a storybook ready to find its visual identity, or even just a bothersome character who won’t stop talking, I’m here to help you wrangle your wild ideas into something wonderful.
Led by writer, artist and editor Katherine Richardson (and closely supervised by Paul, our feathered mascot), Pesky Plover is a one-stop creative studio for anyone who isn’t afraid to colour outside the lines.*
*Don’t worry, Paul’s not that great at colouring either (but to be fair, he is a plover).
Creative Services
Illustration
Every word is perfect, but what’s a picture book without any pictures?
From quirky characters to whimsical worlds, I create warm, expressive illustrations that bring stories to life.
I create my illustrations digitally using Procreate, with a focus on bringing a warm, hand-drawn feel to every piece.
Editing
You’ve written the thing, so now what do you do?
Whether you’re mid first draft, or you just tacked ‘version17’ on the end of your latest word doc, I offer gentle and honest editing to help shape your words without sanding off your voice.
From developmental editing (think big-picture structure) to line and copy editing (the polish that brings it to life), together we’ll work to bring clarity, flow, and confidence to your story.
Book Design & Formatting
Covers, typesetting, layout. All the nitty-gritty details that turn your words into a real-life book.
I design beautiful and accessible books that match the tone of your story and respect the way your audience reads.
From picture books to poetry, I ensure the final product looks just as good as it reads - inside and out.
Hey! I’m Kat
I’m a writer, illustrator, editor, and the feather-ruffler behind
Pesky Plover Studio.
This is a creative space for authors with noisy brains, curious souls and stories that just won’t leave them the heck alone.
Whether you’ve got a stubborn idea flapping around your head or a whole manuscript in need of love, I’m here to help you bring it to life through illustration, editing and design, or a bit of all three.
We’re proudly neurodivergent-friendly because creativity doesn’t always follow straight lines, and neither do we.
A little birdie told us…
“Working with Kat was an absolute dream. She brought our vision to life with such care, creativity, and talent — every illustration and design choice felt intentional and beautifully aligned. Not only is she incredibly gifted, but she’s also a genuinely wonderful human. I can’t wait to collaborate with her again.”
— Rachel Medlock, Author of Your Brain Is A Wonderful Place
“Kat has been an integral part of my publishing journey, helping me shape five books in my Winter Witch series with her developmental insights. Her feedback on plot, structure, and character arcs has been invaluable, and I’ve appreciated having someone so dedicated to my stories on my team. As an indie author, navigating the publishing process can be daunting, and Kat’s guidance has been a reassuring presence. I’m grateful for her professionalism and the care she’s shown in helping me bring my books to life.”
— Lissa Bilyk, Author of the Winter Witch series
“I found Kat through a family connection and was instantly drawn to her whimsical, soft illustration style. From the beginning, she was light-hearted, excited, and easy to work with. Communication was always smooth, and she was incredibly open to feedback, nothing was ever too hard.
Her illustrations brought my story to life in a way I couldn’t have imagined. I especially loved the hidden details, like animals behind trees and a pineapple representing infertility. The opening spread perfectly captured my husband and me. If was so personal and true to us.
I’m so grateful I found Kat and am already looking forward to working with her again in the future.”
— Britt Buss, Author of Our Biggest Adventure
Whether you’re ready to dive into a project or just dipping your toes in the birdbath, I’d love to hear from you. Fill in as much or as little as feels right.
I'll get back to you as soon as I can (usually within 2–3 business days).