How to Become a Published Illustrator: A Guide for Latina Artists
I’m bursting with excitement to announce that I’m finally a published illustrator! This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of Sandra Velasquez the author of ¡Viva Latina! by, the guidance of Laura, my art director at Quarto Publishing, and Tahaji Senior Program Manager at Target.
Growing up, I rarely saw stories of Latinas reflected in history books or the media. That’s why my illustrations are all about celebrating and empowering Latinas. I want to make sure their stories are documented and shared. Sandra Velasquez, the author of ¡Viva Latina! and founder of Nopalera, has been a phenomenal mentor throughout this journey. She’s an inspiration to our Latina Founder Community, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to publish our first book together. I’m eternally grateful for her guidance y TE ADORO CON TODA MI ALMA.
¡Viva Latina! is a powerful collection of stories and advice designed to uplift and inspire you, your amigas, mothers, tias, primas, daughters, and all the amazing mujeres in your life. The book is available now on Target.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, and Amazon.com. To show your support, please consider purchasing a copy and leaving a review! Muchas gracias for your encouragement during Latina Heritage Month!
What is Illustration Publishing, and Why Does it Matter?
Breaking into the world of illustration for books can be tough, especially for those with unique styles that don’t fit the norm. As a Latina illustrator, I faced countless rejections because of my digital art style. I understand the struggle, and in a future post, I’ll be sharing tips on navigating the publishing world, including traditional publishing routes, self-publishing options, and finding invaluable support from mentors and networks.
Illustration publishing refers to the process of creating and getting your illustrated work into print, whether through traditional publishing houses or self-publishing platforms. Understanding this process is crucial because it allows you to share your unique vision with a broader audience. For illustrators, especially those with unconventional styles, knowing how to navigate these routes can turn your passion into a published reality.
Finding the Right Mentor: A Game-Changer
Finding mentors who truly understand your unique challenges is essential for personal and professional growth. Accelerators like Target Forward Founders played a crucial role in my journey, connecting me with Sandra Velasquez, the inspiring CEO of Nopalera. Her mentorship has been invaluable, guiding me to focus on the key areas that would help me scale my business and achieve my publishing goals.
Sandra’s support was particularly impactful because she understood my background and the unique challenges faced by Latina entrepreneurs. She recognized my talent and potential, and her encouragement helped me stay motivated and focused. I’m grateful for her mentorship and consider her a true visionary, a modern-day Coco Chanel.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to individuals you admire and ask for mentorship. Building relationships with experienced professionals can provide invaluable guidance and support as you navigate your career path.
Leverage Conferences
Attending relevant conferences can offer insights and connections. Conferences like those hosted by Las Musas, a community dedicated to Latina authors and illustrators, can be particularly beneficial.
Here’s a list of some of the top conferences and events that are particularly beneficial for Latina illustrators looking to network, gain visibility, and further their careers:
- LATINAFest is a vibrant festival that celebrates all things Latina! From handcrafted products and delicious food to inspiring speeches and empowering workshops, the festival offers a unique experience for everyone.
- Las Musas Conference is a collective of Latina authors and illustrators dedicated to promoting diverse voices in children’s literature. The conference and events organized by Las Musas provide excellent opportunities for networking, workshops, and panels tailored specifically for Latina creators.
- CulturaFest is a festival that celebrates Latino culture through various forms of art, including illustration. It provides a platform for Latina illustrators to showcase their work, attend workshops, and connect with other artists and industry professionals.
- American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference While not exclusively focused on Latina illustrators, the ALA Annual Conference is a major event where illustrators can network with librarians, publishers, and educators. It’s an excellent place for discovering opportunities related to children’s literature and illustration.
- Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Conferences SCBWI hosts regional and international conferences that offer workshops, panels, and networking opportunities specifically for children’s book creators, including illustrators. Attendees can gain valuable insights into the publishing industry and connect with other professionals.
- Dia de los Muertos Art & Culture Festival This festival celebrates Mexican and Latin American culture, including visual arts. It’s an opportunity for Latina illustrators to showcase their work and engage with a community that values cultural heritage
- Latino Book & Family Festival focuses on literature and the arts within the Latino community. It features book signings, panel discussions, and workshops where Latina illustrators can connect with readers and industry professionals
- National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) Events NALAC supports Latino artists through grants, workshops, and conferences. Their events are designed to foster growth and visibility for Latino artists, including illustrators, within the broader arts community.
Exploring Self-Publishing
Latina illustrators can self-publish by leveraging various digital platforms and resources to independently create and distribute their work. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Gumroad, and Etsy allow them to publish e-books, print-on-demand books, or art prints without the need for traditional publishers. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest can be used to build an audience and promote their work. Crowdfunding through websites like Kickstarter or Patreon can help gather financial support for publishing projects. By networking with other creatives and engaging with their community, Latina illustrators can effectively self-publish while retaining creative control and ownership of their work.
Start with a Passion Project
Self-publishing offers creators greater control over their work, allowing them to bring their unique visions to life. Consider starting with a project that you’re deeply passionate about, like “Viva Latina,” a book celebrating Latina stories. This project was inspired by my desire to see more Latina representation in history books.
Since 2020, I’ve been sharing “Latina Portatis” on Instagram, honing my skills with each portrait. Starting a series of illustrations can be a fantastic way to build your portfolio and showcase your passion. Be patient, persistent, and passionate, and the right project will eventually find you. This dream project has been in the works for 14 years, and it’s only the beginning!
The Power of Collaboration: Finding the Right Partner
Partnering with professionals who share your vision can significantly amplify your efforts. Collaborating with Sandra Velasquez, who I met through the Target Accelerators program, was instrumental in bringing my project to life and gaining valuable industry insights.
Remember, building successful partnerships is a two-way street. It’s essential to be present for your mentors and fellow creatives, offering support and encouragement. Trust that everything happens for a reason. Before connecting with Sandra, I faced numerous rejections from publishing houses due to my digital illustration style, even from Latina authors. While it was challenging, I understand why it took so long. The universe was waiting for me to find the perfect collaborator and author who truly appreciated my unique style.
Tips and Reminders for Aspiring Illustrators
Persistence is Key: Rejection is part of the journey. Keep refining your craft and seeking opportunities.
Network Actively: Build connections authentically in the industry through events, conferences, and online communities.
Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can offer guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.
Becoming a published illustrator involves navigating both traditional and self-publishing routes, finding the right mentors, and building a robust network. Whether you’re dealing with rejection or trying to find your niche, remember that persistence and passion are crucial.
¡Viva Latina! is a powerful collection of stories and advice designed to uplift and inspire you, your amigas, mothers, tias, primas, daughters, and all the amazing mujeres in your life. The book is available now on Target.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, and Amazon.com. To show your support, please consider purchasing a copy and leaving a review! Muchas gracias for your encouragement during Latina Heritage Month!