Children's Book Illustrator Interview — Nadia Ronquillo
What drives a children’s book illustrator to pour emotion, color, and life into every page? In this exclusive interview, Nadia Ronquillo — award-winning children’s book illustrator from Ecuador — shares her creative journey, the inspiration behind her vibrant illustration styles, and what she hopes young readers feel when they open one of her books.
From Hobby to Career: Becoming a Children's Book Illustrator
Who or what made you want to become an illustrator?
Ever since I could remember I was always drawing and painting — it was my fun hobby. Thanks to a very supportive family I could pursue this “hobby” for years, taking after-school drawing classes in traditional oil, acrylics, watercolors. I wanted to try everything. Then in college, while majoring in graphic design and audiovisual production, I realized there were people making a living out of illustration. I wanted to give it a try and find a way of making illustration and visual development my full-time job. Slowly but steadily I’ve been lucky to collaborate on great projects and start developing some of my own.
Where do you currently live and where did you grow up?
I live in sunny Guayaquil, one of the main cities of Ecuador — a warm and charming city with a lovely boardwalk, perfect for Sunday morning walks. I think this is why I tend to prefer warm and bright color palettes.
Was creativity part of your childhood?
I grew up with a mom who’s a preschool teacher, so painting, crafts, and school projects always came naturally to me. Thanks, mom! Years later I became part of concept development programs and incubators for animated projects for preschool and upper preschool kids. Creativity was always there while growing up, and now it has come full circle — I get to give back.
The Creative Process of a Children's Book Illustrator
Do you keep a sketchbook?
Yes, I always like to carry a sketchbook and capture little moments or ideas for illustrations or series. I’m also a big fan of drawing landscapes and interiors while traveling.
Have you ever thought about trying a different technique or style?
I like to approach style as something that is constantly evolving — we are always getting better and improving our craft. I’m fortunate to collaborate on a variety of projects that allow me to try new things and take inspiration from different mediums, such as TV series, photography, and animation.
Do you offer more than one illustration style?
My style is heavily inspired by animation films and cartoons. That’s why I have both a more painterly style and a more flat and graphic one. I also love to take elements from retro cartoons and do little fun tributes — like the ones I created for Halloween. Each style serves a different story and a different audience.
Art, Purpose, and the Children's Book World
What do you hope children take away from your drawings?
If I manage to make a kid smile, then mission accomplished — there’s no better feeling than that.
Outline your dream project.
I love nature and animals, and one of my favorite places in the world is the Galápagos Islands. I would love to do a project where I can tackle both of my favorite subjects in the same book.
Have you taken part in any speaker events?
Yes — thanks to a TV series project I’m developing, I’ve been going to festivals to test the concept and to schools to pitch the idea to kids and get their feedback. It was so rewarding and humbling. Kids are the best critics.
Do you have a favourite soundtrack you listen to when you're working?
I’m a huge fan of 70s and 80s music. I tend to listen to 3–4 hour long playlists while painting.
How important is it for you to be part of a creative community?
Very important — to the point of being an essential part of my process. I have a circle of friends and mentors with whom I share new project ideas or simply catch up.
Work With Nadia Ronquillo
If this interview sparked your interest and you’re looking for a trusted, award-winning children’s book illustrator for your next project, Nadia is available for commissions. Explore her full portfolio at nadiaronquilloart.com and get in touch today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who or what made you want to become an illustrator?
Ever since I could remember I was always drawing and painting — it was my fun hobby. Thanks to a very supportive family I could pursue this hobby for years, taking after-school drawing classes in traditional oil, acrylics, watercolors. Then in college, while majoring in graphic design and audiovisual production, I realized there were people making a living out of illustration. Slowly but steadily I’ve been lucky to collaborate on great projects and start developing some of my own.
What illustration styles does Nadia Ronquillo offer?
Nadia’s style is heavily inspired by animation films and cartoons. She works in both a painterly style and a flat, graphic style. Each style serves a different story and a different audience.
Where is Nadia Ronquillo from?
Nadia Ronquillo is from Guayaquil, Ecuador — a warm and charming city whose bright, sunny atmosphere directly influences her preference for warm and vibrant color palettes.
What does Nadia Ronquillo hope children take away from her illustrations?
If she manages to make a kid smile, then mission accomplished — there’s no better feeling than that.
Is Nadia Ronquillo available for children's book illustration projects?
Yes. Nadia Ronquillo is available for commissions as a children’s book illustrator. You can explore her full portfolio and get in touch at nadiaronquilloart.com.