Layal Idriss is a passionate Visual Storyteller, Entrepreneur, Educator, and an award-winning bookmaker. Her creative journey began as an illustrator in 2011, contributing her artistic vision to over 30 titles. One notable early project was illustrating "A Tea Party at Cinderella's Palace," which achieved high sales, reached its twelfth edition, inspired a theatrical performance, and was shortlisted for the Emirates Telecommunications Award in 2015. Her work has also been licensed by notable retailers such as Barnes & Noble. Layal's commitment to the bookmaking process evolved further when she co-founded Dar Waraqa, a publishing house dedicated to bringing captivating narratives to life. She was recognized as an award-winning bookmaker with the prestigious Gourmand Award in 2024 for the Aklana series, a significant project she spearheaded, encompassing concept development, art, and editorial direction for 13 books. Layal's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Radish House. As a creative director, she focuses on helping teams provide outstanding visual storytelling solutions for clients like Penguin Random House, Misk Art Institute, The Saudi Coffee, Red Sea Global, Roshan, and Saudi Ministry of Culture. Her experience also includes training at Nickelodeon Studios Burbank, CA. Dar Waraqa, the publishing house she co-founded, was the winner of the 2022 business accelerator hosted by MOC Saudi. Layal also shares her expertise and passion as a lecturer, having been part of the faculty at CSSSA (CalArts), CSUF, and SCC, inspiring the next generation of artists. With an MFA in Illustration from California State University, Fullerton, and having recently completed a Women in Innovation Fellowship at Georgetown University and an Art Residency at the School of Visual Arts in New York, Layal is committed to her creative growth. She also connects with aspiring artists through various speaking engagements, consulting on a variety of book projects, and offering creative direction to authors and publishers across the globe.