K.M. Laume (aka Kim Pflaum) is a musician, writer, and artist from New Zealand, currently residing in London, UK. She comes from a background of writing poetry, lyrics, and songs, and has been a part of the music industry for over two decades. She has released five EPs with four different acts, toured internationally and worked alongside many other talented artists such as Lorde, Zimmer, Boycrush, Borns, and TOPS (to name a few). Kim’s debut album Waterbirth was released in January 2020 under the moniker Laume, on Carpark Records (US). She is currently working on her second full length album.
Having developed a passion for writing fiction and children’s literature early on Kim preceded to study a BA in English literature and linguistics at the University of Canterbury in 2009, with an emphasis on children’s literature and creative writing.
Kim has worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for over a decade, and now uses these skills to illustrate and design her own projects. She has completed several children’s book illustration courses both at Selwyn College under the tutorage of New Zealand author and illustrator Sandra Morris, and also the MATS online children’s book illustration course and several courses at City Lit in London. Kim has completed short courses in fine art drawing and painting at the Hampstead School of Art in London, The Royal Drawing School in London, and Browne School of Art in Auckland. Kim is currently working towards getting her first children’s picture book published.
Kim has taken several workshops with the Aardman Academy in character development and puppet fabrication/model making for stop motion animation. In 2020 she completed several puppet fabrication/model and prop making courses through Scale Model Studios, London. Her clay animated short won the animation category for the Christchurch (New Zealand) heat of the 48hours Film Competition in 2011. For a full list of courses undertaken see the studies page.
Kim is also very passionate about neurodivergence and studies Psychology (Grad Dip) part time while complimenting her studies with CPD courses in Autism, ADHD, other neurodivergent conditions and SEN. She is particularly interested in the intersection of neurodiversity, disability, mental health and the arts. She hopes to make a meaningful contribution in this area. She currently volunteers part time as a designer for The Autistic Girls Network charity.
Kim is open for commission work whether it be illustration, writing, or fabrication. Simply send a message via the contact page.