¡Hola! Thank you for stopping by! I was born and raised in Miami en una típica casa Cubana surrounded by lots of delicioso food and Latin music.
The topics that I enjoy illustrating include subjects that represent my Hispanic culture & traditions, friendships, animals, and stories that teach kids about personal strengths and challenges. I believe that there should be more Latin voices in the Children’s Market and I hope to be a part of that change.
I graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design, with a BFA in Illustration.
Austin, Texas is were I reside with my supportive husband, an active and creative 7-year-old daughter, and our sweet dog, Zoey.
CLIENTS
American Girl, American Greetings, Capstone Publishing, Cricket Magazine, Curriculum Associates, Dove, Duopress, Highlights for Children, McGraw Hill, Oxford University Press, Penguin Random House, Peaceable Kingdom, Scholastic, Target
*AWARDS / HONORS
2024, Bank Street The Best Children’s Books of the Year, Baking With Mi Abuelita
2023, Named Best Transitional Book by School of Library Journal, Baking With Mi Abuelita
2023, Starred Review from School Library Journal, Baking With Mi Abuelita
2021, Las Musas Mentorship Program
2021, National Parenting Product Award Winner
2017, Named Best Kids Book on Amazon – Hello, Garden Bugs
Member of: The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators
Active Girllustrator
CLIENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Julissa has been a long-time favorite of ours at Highlights. Her work is whimsical, fun and fresh. She delivers every job on time and with grace. She is a freelancer we really heavily rely on and will continue to do so.
Marie O’Neill
Senior Creative Director at Highlights for Children
Julissa has done 2 large illustration book projects, and several smaller commissions for me at Positive Promotions. I loved her style the first time I saw it online. Our Smart Parenting book is a success and I think the artwork remains fresh and attractive almost 8 years later. Recently she illustrated an early-learning teacher planner and it was a huge success. She is great to work with. Love the textures in her work!
Martin Heinritz
Art Director, Positive Promotions
A Country School, my earliest piece of art that I have from my childhood.
My studiomate! :)
REPRESENTED BY:
Claire Morance at Painted Words.
claire(at)painted-words(dot)com
