Ana is a children’s book creator, illustrator, muralist and art instructor.
Her work has been featured in galleries and museums in the United States, France, Mexico, Italy, Norway and Japan. In San Francisco, she has painted murals in the Mission District, for the Consulate General of Mexico, and for the prestigious de Young Museum.
Her illustrations can be found in picture books published in France and Italy. In the US you can find The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra (written by Marc Tyler Nobleman, Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin), Our Celebración! (written by Susan Middleton Elya, Lee and Low Books) and Moth & Butterfly: Ta Da! (written by Dev Petty, Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin) out in June 2021. Her upcoming books include her author/illustrator debut picture book about the Day of the Dead (Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books, 2022) and “How to Make a Memory” written by Elaine Vickers (Simon & Schuster/Wiseman, 2023).
Ana Aranda was born and raised in Mexico City, where she studied design. From there, she moved to France, where she completed her undergraduate studies in illustration at l’École de l’Image d’Épinal, she then obtained her MFA in Illustration in San Francisco at the Academy of Art University.
Her biggest inspirations are her childhood memories, the vibrant colors of Mexico, and music. Her work focuses on transforming the every day into fantastical situations, and often include images from nature and whimsical creatures.
- Society of Illustrators Original Art Featured Artist
- Society of Children’s Books Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) Mentorship Award
Member of:
Press and interviews:
- Let’s Talk Picture Books – Let’s Talk Illustrators (Moth & Butterfly: Ta-Da!)
- Taller de Arte para Niñxs – Canal 22 Internacional – CCCM
- Women in Design- Graphic Artists Guild feature
- Behind the Scenes: The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra, with Ana Aranda – Pen & Oink
- Interview – Drawing From Experience Podcast
- Studio Visit 360° – XR Libraries (Español)
- Advice for Young Illustrators – Inkygirl (Debbie Ridpath Ohi)
Prints and original art for purchase at Nucleus Gallery
Photo by Rachel Styer