Meet Lala Watkins | Children’s Book Author-Illustrator & Good Vibes Connoisseur

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

Hi Lala, what do you attribute your success to?
I’ve always felt a strong need to prioritize my joy and happiness and want that for the people around me. In doing so, I inspire others to take a chance and do what their heart desires. I bring joy to them using my words, art, and whole being— because of that, I allow someone space to do the same. Everyone around me is a flower waiting to bloom, and I’m the gardener—I want to see these flowers thrive and live their best lives–so I water them as best as possible. Finding ways to sprinkle play, love, and fun into the world is exciting because it could always use a little more. That lights me up and is genuinely a part of me that shows through in my brand, which I believe contributes to my success. In my opinion, even if I wasn’t creative, I think that would be the essential factor behind my success regardless.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My philosophy is that “my work is like a summer pool party, and everyone’s invited!” It perfectly describes my whole vibe and work. To me, a pool party is a place to lighten the load. It’s a place people get together and have fun conne and vibing. I just hope it adds to people’s day and makes them smile for a bit before going about their business afterward. As you can see, my work is joyful, filled with play, and charm, no matter what. I believe that stems from all my experiences in my career and the passion I have had since I could hold a crayon to bring joy to others.

I graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design and Interactive Communications from Ringling College of Art & Design; during that time, I was encouraged by my professors to keep adding that charm to my work, pursue my joy, keep going for it, and that has led me to an extensive background working as a product designer, product developer, Illustrator, and graphic designer at Sanrio, Paper Culture, and Cartoon Network doing various projects.

It was hard at times, and I faced many challenges. One of them was when I got the call to work for Sanrio, it was a few months after I graduated, and the company was based in California–I lived in Florida. I didn’t have the funds to move and live there; I also had no family there so that I would be alone. Well, I did a GoFundMe and received more than the amount needed to move across the country, and Sanrio was so helpful that they were always looking out for me, making sure I was ok and settled. They always made me feel welcome. Throughout it all, I persevered and was led to places that aligned with me. All of those companies are heart-centric and focus on joy and the kid at heart–that aligns with my values and continues to be a main motivating factor for me today.

That’s what makes me so proud: even though I had an unusual creative career path, it has led me to work that brings me so much joy. I’m pleased to be a professional Children’s Book Illustrator and Author. I had wanted to be involved in children’s books since I was in college, I took a few electives on it, but it was hard to find out how to get into the publishing industry. So I kept drawing and doing projects on the side of my work, posting on Instagram, and developing my online portfolio. It worked! An art director found me to work as an illustrator on my first children’s book; I Love You More Than Ice Cream, and then, later, I posted a project that another talented author-illustrator, Mika Song, came across and invited me to share on Sunday Haha (free comics for kids delivered every Sunday that she runs with Jen De Oliveira). She also recommended me to her agent Erica Rand Silverman. So grateful to her for that! Erica contacted me, we talked, and it felt like a HECK YES in my heart, so I signed up with Stimola Literary Studio. I’ve never been happier. It’s not the usual way to obtain an agent but not unheard of.

I want people to know that it will be hard but persevere; you never know what will happen. Also, the road may change but you’re always being directed towards what you are supposed to be doing. I’m rooting for you, always!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When you’re hanging with me, you’re in for a treat! Jacksonville, FL, has some fun places to visit. We’ll have to go to The Escape Room, because who doesn’t like a giant puzzle to get out of? I’d recommend the Prison Break and Playground Rooms. Then we’ll visit some good restaurants, like Bonchon, which has the best Korean food–the wings will make you cry for joy, and enjoy the St John Town Center. Let’s eat at the Flavorikan food truck that serves the yummiest Puerto Rican food, or I’ll ask my mom to cook for us 😉 We would enjoy the beaches, especially Fernandina Beach; it’s the best for sunset and sunrise watching. Let’s grab a book or two at the Story and Song Bookstore Bistro. Then we’ll head to Big Talbot Island and go hiking, enjoy the views, and look at the marsh. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is a place not to miss an opportunity for aesthetic Instagram photos, if I say so myself. If you like science, we have MOSH (Museum of Science History) to geek out over. Then Saturday is the best time to see the Riverside Arts Market and enjoy the city’s creativity. On Sunday, we’ll head to the Cinemark Tinseltown Theater to watch a movie, then go to Soupa Noodle Bar for some ramen and noodle soups.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s cliche, but I’d have to say, my family. I loved to draw as a child, and my parents supported that. Any opportunity they had to encourage me creatively, they would do it. Even if we met another artist, they would push me to talk to them and share that I was an artist too. My mother would buy me art books and art supplies. My dad would even challenge me to “drawing face-offs,” where we would draw the images on Disney VHS tapes, book covers, or picture book interior illustrations. Whatever it was, we would draw what “we see.” Of course, my dad would win many of those until I eventually beat him. So I just kept at it. I was improving my skills, attending a magnets art school from middle to high school, and being where I am now. Throughout it all, being surrounded by mentors, teachers, and friends who saw my talents and continued encouraging me. It was hard and rocky sometimes, but I’m so happy I didn’t give up. I’m grateful that I grew up in a supportive family, and they continue to support me today.

Website: https://www.acaseoflala.com/

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

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

Image Credits
©KelseyDodge (for the image in my studio) ©AllySage (for the profile image of me)