Meet Ana Latese | Freelance Editorial and Narrative Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Latese and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been a creative individual. From drawing to film to graphic design. My earliest memories were drawing on the walls of my childhood bedroom with permanent markers. After the film program at my university wasn’t the right fit for me, I decided to pursue Illustration as a career. I never saw anyone like me in children or middle grade books and I definitely wanted to help make a change in that. As a black artist, illustrating children’s books is my attempt to promote a world where black and brown children are seen, heard, valued, and validated. Quoted from one of my favorite artists, Faith Ringgold, “You cant sit around and wait for somebody to say who you are. You need to write it and paint it and do it.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a freelance editorial and narrative illustrator that mainly focuses on POC illustrations. My passion is to produce beautiful imagery inspired by vibrant colors, magical elements, and nature. I will typically use different lighting situations to help enhance my storytelling and give a warm feeling to my illustrations.

After graduating Jacksonville University with a BFA in Illustration, I am now up to 6 illustrated books and have worked with many clients such as The Washington Post, Hulu, Scholastic, and The Durham Bulls. Every single project has been so exciting and different, which leads my art to grow even more.

Getting to where I am today was not easy and I don’t believe it ever will be. Basically becoming my own social media manager, I have to consistently show up on social media to get my name and art out there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My story wouldn’t have even begun without two amazing teachers, my high school English teacher and my illustration professor from Jacksonville University. After a huge drawing hiatus in middle school, my high school English teacher got me back into art by drawing a ton of his favorite DC characters to hang in his classroom. My illustration professor had a little peak into my sketchbook and explained what the life of an illustrator was. After that conversation, I was immediately hooked!

Website: www.AnaLatese.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anacandraw/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/analatese/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnaLatese

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYTaWh5o9fWFLD1VQZzdAoQ

Image Credits
Elena Cobas