“Poppy’s Best Day Ever” – The Post
June normally means Summer camps, 100+ degree weather and the beginning of personal pieces in preparation to SCBWI's Los Angeles Conference. This year it meant: "Poppy's Best Day Ever" - A Picture-book in 30 Days Challenge. From signed contract to delivered artwork in 1 month (DVD coming soon). And I know
Jorge and Iguana Magazine
During the Spring I received a short story to illustrate for the July/August issue of "Iguana Magazine". I immediately said yes knowing that "Iguana Magazine" is published in Spanish, it's a children's magazine and it aims to instill Latino pride to the children that read it. What else did I
Lellie, Lellie!
You can now order "Lellie The Different Elephant" a book written by Lois Ann Garza. I illustrated the book with colored pencils. These pieces were the last done with this medium. For the brighter pieces, I used inks to create an under-painting. I got my copies this week so here I
What I learned from Dan Santat’s Workshop
Things take time for me to sink in so it makes sense that after a month of attending Dan Santat's workshop here in Phoenix I finally can sort out what I've learned from it. So here is my recap of what I got out of the experience. Warning: Results may vary
Draw Me An Elephant or How to Hire An Illustrator
I often receive emails from writers who are interested in hiring me as an illustrator for their picture books. I tend to reply with the same questions and answers. I decided to create this post so it's easily accessible for future interested people. DO I NEED ILLUSTRATIONS TO SUBMIT MY MANUSCRIPT
New Books, Blogs and Giveaway
It's been a hectic busy couple of months so here's a post to update you on everything that's going on: NEW BOOK "THE NIGHT BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY BOOK" I'm currently working on a multicultural picture book written by Joni Rubinstein. Dummy is all done and I'm painting the spreads at the moment.
New Directions – AKA Transportation
These last couple of months I've found a new direction to my work. I have looked back to my culture and ethnicity. With this I hope to bring a more meaningful body of work. There will be exploration, successes and failures. It's how it should be and I'll share as
Of How Juana Celebrated Fans
Many personal traits may question my mental sanity. If numbers are involved, then the answer becomes clear to people: Juana is nuts! I can say to my defense: I'm not crazy, I'm precise. And the hubs can attest to that. So 2 weeks ago I jumped on the bandwagon, followed the
Sedona’s Workshop with Claudine
So I'm taking some time away from design work and posting about Claudine's workshop last weekend. I should have been working, though. It was at The Barn at the Sedona Arts Center - a very old building that I thought would collapse. It didn't. In fact, it was a very sound
Feliz Cumpleanhos, Baby – From Illo to Fondant
Check out what this girl does for us. I send the sketches and illustrations and she makes them in fondant. She's an artist! - Color illustration below Subscribe via Email to Juana's blog.