Intro
Meet Faith Zoch, a student, illustrator, and climber who proves that creativity and adventure can go hand in hand. Whether she’s bringing children’s stories to life through her art or scaling the cliffs of Queensland, Faith finds inspiration in every line—on the page and on the rock. With a double degree in Communications and Business, a growing list of published works, and a passion for climbing and nature, Faith is just getting started on her colorful journey.
Quick Facts
Name: Faith Zoch
Hometown: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
Occupation: Student, Children’s Book Illustrator
Years Illustrating: 3 years
Years Climbing: Nearly 2 years
Favorite Climbing Spot: Brooyar (QLD)
Fun Fact: Faith has synesthesia and can count to 100 digits of Pi
Instagram: @faith__crystal | @the__little__bookshelf
Art and Illustration
Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I’m currently studying full-time at the University of the Sunshine Coast, doing a double degree in Communications (majoring in Journalism) and Business (majoring in Marketing). Outside of uni, I work part-time in retail, and I also illustrate children’s books.
Q: How long have you been a children’s book illustrator?
A: About 3 years now.
Q: How did you get into illustrating for children’s books?
A: When I was little, my mum wrote her first children’s book, but she never found an illustrator, so the manuscript just lived in a drawer. As I grew up and developed my art skills, she asked me to illustrate her book. Basically, she waited for my entire childhood for me to grow into the illustrator she needed.
Q: What children’s books have you illustrated?
A: I’ve illustrated Anything But a Wallaby, and my second book, Whatever Will Be My Destiny, will be in stores in less than a month! I’m also currently writing and illustrating another children’s book.
Q: Where can people buy your books?
A: Here are some options.
- Amazon: Anything But a Wallaby
- Amazon AU: Anything But a Wallaby (AU)
- Booktopia: Anything But a Wallaby
- Walmart: Anything But a Wallaby
- Barnes & Noble: Anything But a Wallaby
- Shopify: Nicole Zoch Books
Q: What is your favorite part of being an illustrator?
A: My favorite part is watching a blank background slowly turn into a layered, colorful, and detailed art piece. I also adore it when I get to read to schools and childcare centers and put a smile on the children’s faces.
Q: If you could illustrate anything to show people your life, what would it be and why?
A: I’d illustrate a huge landscape of the Sunshine Coast Glasshouse Mountains. They sparked my love for outdoor climbing and unlocked a whole new side of myself. They marked a new beginning for me.
The Climber’s Path
Q: How long have you been rock climbing?
A: Close to 2 years.
Q: How did you get into rock climbing?
A: When I moved to the Sunshine Coast after living in small-town Victoria, I went indoor bouldering for fun. I’d never touched a wall before and instantly became hooked. Now I’m part of a really awesome climbing community.
Q: Where is your favorite place to climb, and why?
A: Outdoors, Brooyar (QLD) is my favorite because the rock formations are so ideal for climbing. But for a spicy rock scramble, Mt Beerwah wins. The organ pipe formations there are just insane.
Q: What’s your go-to snack after a long climbing day?
A: A can of tuna and crackers every time—easy to pack and good protein.
Q: If you were a climbing hold, what would you be and why?
A: A volume. They’re bold, creative, and inspire people to think outside the box.
Beyond the Wall
Q: What was your favorite part of skydiving, and why?
A: The initial drop. That exact moment when gravity takes you off the plane. Nothing could have prepared me for that feeling of freefall. My brain genuinely couldn’t compute what was happening.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
A: Yosemite! It’s definitely on my bucket list for the fantastic sights and rock climbing.
Q: If you could have breakfast with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you eat?
A: Jesus. I’d love to hear his stories and his wisdom in person. And honestly, if he can multiply bread and fish, breakfast would be unreal.
Q: What do you like to do outside of climbing and illustrating?
A: Music, nature hikes, working out in the gym, and trying new food places.
Q: What is something surprising about you?
A: I have synesthesia (I see letters and numbers with colors), I can count to 100 digits of Pi, and I have 12 piercings.
Connect with Faith
Instagram: @faith__crystal
Illustrator Instagram: @the__little__bookshelf
Books: Available at Amazon, Booktopia, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Shopify
thedihedral.com 