Hello! I am Houston-based artist, educator and children’s picture book illustrator with a big love for world traveling adventures, dogs, coffee, and creativity on the go, especially when there’s an iPad with Procreate® in my backpack!
ARTIST & EDUCATOR
281.734.3753
jjhuerta.art@gmail.com
I am a Cuban-born, Houston, Texas-based children’s book illustrator, author, and longtime Visual Arts educator in Houston with over 30 years of experience inspiring young artists and storytellers. My illustrations are known for their organic, charcoal-inspired style layered with vibrant color, rich texture, warmth, and emotion. Through my work, I celebrate family, imagination, science, reading, heritage and the meaningful everyday moments that connect us all, creating visual stories that invite children to explore, learn, and dream.
Let’s team up and create something amazing!
Ever since I could hold a pencil, I’ve been drawn to the world of art and illustration. My journey began with doodles in the margins of textbooks and quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit of visual storytelling. I’ve always believed that art has the power to communicate, inspire, and transform, and that’s what fuels my creative spirit.
As an artist, my style is a blend of vibrant, colorful and feel-happy impressions. I’m constantly experimenting with techniques, colors, and mediums to bring my imagination to life. Whether it’s through intricate pen and ink drawings or vivid digital illustrations, I aim to create visuals that resonate with the heart and mind. Recently, I have been fascinated with the infinite creative possibilities that digital media has to offer, and in particular Procreate® and drawing in the iPad.
What Does it Really Mean?
“Monkey’s Wild Lunch” is a funny children’s picture book written and illustrated by J.J. Huerta — a bilingual and visual arts teacher with over 25 years of experience. What starts as a simple banana lunch quickly turns into a wild mix of misunderstandings, and just the right dose of drama! Perfect for story time, giggle time, or any time you need a gentle reminder that kind words can make all the difference. The book includes English Language Arts and Visual Arts enrichment activities! Behind the Book »
“Monkey’s Wild Lunch” 8.5×8.5″, 32 Pages. © J.J.Huerta, All Rights Reserved. Available in Amazon.com & Barnes & Noble
As an illustrator, I love the challenge of translating words into visuals. Whether it’s illustrating children’s books, designing eye-catching graphics for marketing campaigns, or creating editorial illustrations, I thrive on bringing ideas to life in a visually compelling way. My work often revolves around children’s book illustrations, art education and multimedia.
What happens when crayons go missing, homework gets crumpled, and crumbs mysteriously appear? In the book, the culprit is clear—it’s the mischievous little monster that Ana Beatriz Huerta dreamed up and I, her dad, had the honor of illustrating. This book isn’t just about entertainment—it’s also an incredible resource for English Language Arts teachers and parents. The “before reading” questions invite kids to predict and imagine, while the “after reading” enrichment activities inspire creativity and critical thinking. Check out the article here! Learn more »
“The Monster I Blamed for EVERYTHING!” Ages 5-12, 8.5×8.5″, 32 Pages. Available in Hardcover (ISBN 979-8-9925660-2-4) and Paperback (ISBN 979-8-9925660-1-7) © Ana Beatriz Huerta, All Rights Reserved
My illustration style blends whimsy details, and a trendy modern aesthetic—perfect for school-themed stories, science adventures, reading moments, and seasonal explorations.
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Hands-on Procreate® Visual Arts, Reading, Writing, Speaking and Drawing Lesson for Elementary School Students on Children’s Book Illustration
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“Monkey’s Wild Lunch”, fun children’s picture book written and illustrated by J.J.Huerta. A banana, friends, a little misunderstanding and drama.
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