Born near Munich, Germany, Tanja moved to Melbourne, Australia, at the age of eleven. She later moved to the United States and has lived in Arizona since 1991. Tanja holds a Bachelor's degree in computer animation.

Having worked as a Graphic Designer for many years, Tanja finally decided to break from the corporate arena and build her own graphic design and illustration business. Tanja's first children's book that she illustrated was released in early 2008. “There’s a Coqui in My Shoe!” was written by Marisa De Jesús Paolicelli and has already won the 2008 10th Annual International Latino Book Award for Best Educational Children's Book in English. Her second book is scheduled for release in Spring of 2009 and will be published by the Grand Cayon Association.

In addition to the responsibilities of running her own business, Tanja is an active member of the Arizona chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and helps out as Co-Illustrator Representative. She is also working on her own children's storybook and various other illustration projects.

Tanja now lives near Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband, Kevin, her daughters, Isabelle and Zoe, her two Goldens Otto and Peanut and cat Ducky.

Awards and Recognitions:

"There's a Coqui in My Shoe!" - Winner - Best Educational Children's Book - English
2008 10th Annual International Latino Book Awards

"There's a Coqui in My Shoe!" - Tied for Second - Best Children's Book
2008 10th Annual International Latino Book Awards

"The Student from Zombie Island " - Winner - Best Cover Design: Children/Young Adult
2008 Glyph Awards - Arizona Book Publishing Association