Angela was born in Mexico City, grew up in the great state of Texas, and now resides in San Francisco. As a child, she loved reading books and making a mess creating pictures. She’s delighted to still be doing both professionally. Angela is currently illustrating her twelfth children’s book, and has worked with numerous publishers including Dial, Abrams, Candlewick, Children’s Book Press, and Henry Holt. Her book Maria Had a Little Llama / María Tenía una Llamita(Henry Holt and Company, 2013) was named a Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book. Additionally, Angela teaches at the Academy of Art University in the Illustration Department.
Growing up, I had chihuahua dog named Benny. Benny was a sweetheart. He didn’t mind sweaters, loved walks, and went gaga for treats—especially turkey legs. When I came up with the French Bulldog character design, I had two realizations. First, he needed a very manly sounding name and second that he was the complete opposite of my childhood dog Benny. Santiago wouldn’t be swayed easily unless it was something very noble.
Art medium used …
Tissue paper, pencil, ink, gouache, and a little bit of digital color.
I doodle in my sketchbook a bunch when I’m just coming up with ideas. I also spend quite a bit of time researching and walking outdoors looking for inspiration. Then I start working on thumbnails on tracing paper. Tracing paper is terrific for designing and the fact that it’s inexpensive makes is liberating. Then from there I wait from the approval from the art director/editor. Once all the thumbnails are approved, the final sketches and final artwork is much easier.
Favorite place to create & illustrate …
My art studio or anywhere that is spacious with nice bright light and good music. A tropical island would be ideal.
Most used art supply or tool …
Pencils, tracing paper, and black ink.
Illustrator idols …
SO MANY! Ezra Jack Keats, Hillary Knight, Peter McCarty, Eric Carle, Lane Smith, Suzy Lee.
All-time favorite children’s book you didn’t illustrate…
Discover more picture book illustration inspiration on The Children’s Book Review by visiting our pages tagged with Angela Dominguez and Illustration Inspiration.
