Children’s Book Illustrator in Houston: My Journey as an Artist, Educator, and Storyteller

Houston is a fascinating city, and it has influenced me in a tremendous way. I often describe Houston as a small sample of the world. The city is filled with cultures, languages, traditions, foods, and stories from every corner of the globe. As a children’s book illustrator, author, and educator, that diversity inspires me every day and continually shapes the stories I want to tell through my artwork.

I was born in Cuba and have called Houston home for nearly three decades. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree and have spent more than 25 years teaching visual arts in Texas public schools. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of helping thousands of children discover their creativity, develop confidence in their artistic abilities, and learn to see the world through a more curious and imaginative lens.

At the same time, I have continued to pursue my own creative journey as an illustrator and author, creating artwork that celebrates family, learning, nature, science, and the everyday moments that connect us all.

Art & Discovery

Some of my earliest memories involve drawing, reading, and exploring books filled with maps, animals, scientific discoveries, and illustrations of distant places. As a child, I was fascinated by geography, wildlife, history, and the natural world. I could spend hours studying the details in illustrated books and imagining the stories behind every image.

That sense of wonder never left me. Today, many of my illustrations are still inspired by those same interests. Whether I am painting dinosaurs, wildlife, museums, fossils, rainforests, ocean life, or children exploring new places, I strive to create images that encourage young readers to look closely, ask questions, and discover something new every time they revisit the page.

I believe illustrations should do more than simply accompany a story. They should invite children into the story and reward their curiosity.

Science & Storytelling

One of the things I love most about children’s illustration is the opportunity to combine imagination with learning. Many of my illustrations incorporate scientifically accurate animals, natural habitats, museum settings, historical references, and educational details that children can recognize and explore. I enjoy creating artwork that is playful and whimsical while still being grounded in observation and research.

Whether I am illustrating a dinosaur, a shark, a tropical bird, or a museum exhibit, I want children to feel that they are learning something while they are enjoying the story.

As both an educator and illustrator, I have seen firsthand how powerful visual storytelling can be. A single image can spark a child’s interest in science, history, geography, reading, or art. That possibility continues to motivate me every time I begin a new project.

Family & Art

If there is one theme that appears repeatedly throughout my work, it is family. Many of my favorite illustrations are inspired by family traditions, shared meals, travel experiences, grandparents, pets, and the small everyday moments that often become our most cherished memories. Whether it is a grandfather making homemade pizza with his grandchildren, a family visiting a museum together, or a child discovering nature with a parent, I am drawn to stories that celebrate connection across generations.

I believe children’s books have a unique ability to preserve these moments and remind us of the values that bring families together. In a world that often feels increasingly fast-paced and disconnected, I find myself returning again and again to themes of kindness, curiosity, responsibility, gratitude, and family.

Inspiration from Houston and Beyond

Living in Houston has been an extraordinary source of inspiration for my work. Few cities offer such a rich blend of cultures, traditions, and perspectives.

The city’s museums, parks, festivals, restaurants, and neighborhoods continually remind me that there are countless stories waiting to be told. My travels have also played an important role in shaping my artistic voice. Experiences throughout Europe, particularly Italy, have inspired many of my family-centered illustrations and environmental settings.

At the same time, my artistic influences often come from the natural world. I have long admired the work of natural history illustrators and artists who combine observation, storytelling, and education. Their ability to capture both beauty and information continues to influence my own approach to illustration.

Writing and Illustrating for Children

In addition to illustrating for clients, I have also written and illustrated my own children’s books.

Creating books as both author and illustrator gives me a unique perspective on storytelling. It allows me to think carefully about how words and images work together to create emotional connections with readers. Whether I am creating a humorous adventure, a story about friendship, or a book that encourages social-emotional learning, my goal is always the same: to create meaningful experiences that children can enjoy while also taking something valuable away from the story. I want children to laugh, wonder, imagine, and learn.

The Influence of Education

My years as a teacher have had a profound influence on my work as an illustrator. Every day in the classroom, I have the opportunity to see how children respond to stories, images, and creative challenges. I understand how visual storytelling can support literacy, encourage critical thinking, build confidence, and make learning more engaging.

That experience gives me a practical understanding of how children interact with illustrations and how artwork can help communicate ideas that might otherwise feel complex or intimidating.

Whether I am creating artwork for a picture book, educational publisher, magazine, or classroom resource, I approach every project with the mindset of both an artist and an educator.

Looking Forward

As I continue developing my portfolio and pursuing new opportunities in children’s publishing, I remain focused on the themes that have guided my work throughout my career: family, science, nature, curiosity, learning, and cultural exploration.

I believe children deserve books that inspire wonder, celebrate imagination, and encourage them to become lifelong learners. Through my illustrations, I hope to create images that spark conversations, strengthen family connections, and help young readers see the beauty and possibilities that exist all around them.

For me, children’s illustration is more than a profession. It is an opportunity to inspire curiosity, celebrate learning, and share stories that help children better understand themselves and the world they are growing up in.