Illustrator Spotlight: Aixa Pérez-Prado


© Aixa Pérez-Prado

Nov. 1, 2021

We are excited to feature illustrator Aixa Pérez-Prado, who designed our November 2021 Kidlit411 website banner. 


© Aixa Pérez-Prado


Tell us about yourself and how you came to illustrate for children.

 

I’ve always loved to draw and was encouraged to be creative and artistic by my multi-talented father who filled our home with books and art supplies. I ended up becoming a university professor, but in my heart I have always been an artist. After years of decorating parties, creating art for others, and ultimately painting designs on all of my furniture, I decided that maybe I should try illustrating children’s books. The exuberance and beauty of picture book art appeals to me more than any other art form. So, while still a full time mom and professor, I am also trying this new artistic adventure, and I love it!


© Aixa Pérez-Prado

 

Congrats on your design for Kidlit411's website. Tell us about how you approached the project.

 

I discovered recently that I have quite a bit of indigenous ancestry, and that knowledge has filled me with curiosity and wonder. I am saddened by the fact that my part indigenous grandmother did not embrace or share that aspect of her identity. I wonder how aware she was of her heritage, and whether she had knowledge of language, customs and traditions that she did not pass on to us, possibly due to internalized racism. 




© Aixa Pérez-Prado


Unfortunately, I can’t go back and ask her these questions, but once I found out about her background I became very curious about my indigenous ancestors. My curiosity has led me to look at the art and music of indigenous people in Argentina, and that is what I had in my head as I approached this project. The colors and geometric shapes I chose pay tribute to indigenous Latin American art.  

 

Who or what inspires you? What is your favorite illustration medium and process? 

 

I am inspired by so many children’s books illustrators, their creativity, whimsy and joy. I am especially fond of collage and quirky art. I love the work of Beatriz Alemagna, Juana Martinez Neal, Vanessa Bradley Newton, Yael Fran, and the legendary Eric Carle. I do a lot of watercolor and acrylic painting of papers that I later cut up, and love using fabric, leaves, and all kinds of materials I find around my house and outside for collage. I also fool around on procreate, photoshop and indesign.


© Aixa Pérez-Prado


What projects are you working on now?

 

I have been working on two dummies. One is for a picture book about a cockroach who wants to be considered a pet, not a pest. Another is about all kinds of diverse feet and legs busily making their way around a city as seen from a toddler’s perspective. Both use collage and are very playful.

© Aixa Pérez-Prado


 

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

 

Most people don’t know that I am a frustrated musician who has tried to teach herself guitar and ukulele many times, but can never stick to it long enough to be listen-worthy.


© Aixa Pérez-Prado

 

Where can people find you online?

 

Author/Illustrator Website: aixaperezprado.com

Teaching/Thinking Website: thethinkingcafe.com

Twitter: @professoraixa

Instagram: @aixasdoodlesandbooks

TikTok: @aixasdoodlesandbooks

 

 

 

Aixa Pérez-Prado is a native of Argentina who immigrated to the United States as a small child. She is a writer, illustrator, translator, sensitivity reader, university professor, and mother of six in a blended multilingual/multicultural family. Aixa has lived in several countries including Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica and Morocco, and draws inspiration for her stories and illustrations from these varied locations. She has published two books on teaching learners with critical and creative thinking, and created the cover art for both. She currently has two picture books under contract. Aixa’s passion is writing and illustrating books aimed at giving diverse children a chance to see their multilayered identities represented through stories that resonate with heart and humor. She writes in both Spanish and English, and enjoys mixing languages in writing much like bilinguals mix languages when they interact.  Aixa is represented by Joyce Sweeney at The Seymour Agency. 

 

 

Comments

  1. Your illustrations have as much meaning and heart as your words, Aixa!

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  2. Love your work, Aixa! Enjoyed learning more about your journey.

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  4. Editors are another important part of the team. They are always ready to support writers and make the necessary changes in accordance with the requests and requirements of clients. They are qualified and professional and know how they can make the necessary changes in a short time. Editors create plagiarism–free documents, and they are our pride!

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