Meet Nadia Ronquillo | Children’s book illustrator/ studio owner

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

Hi Nadia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always known I had a passion for drawing, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have had supportive parents and family members who encouraged my art practice. From a young age, I was that precocious six-year-old experimenting with acrylics, oils, watercolors—you name it.

For the longest time, though, I didn’t see big role models in my country making a living from illustration or animation. It seemed impossible—or at least, that’s what I kept hearing. For a moment, I almost ended up pursuing med school. Thankfully, I trusted my instincts and studied the closest thing I could find: graphic design and audiovisual production.

This gave me the fundamentals I needed to build a portfolio, and even before graduating, I signed with an agency based in New York. That was my entry into the illustration industry. At the same time, as I showcased my work on my website and social media, I noticed a need among self-published authors for more comprehensive support—something beyond just illustrations.

Then came the Covid lockdown. Being far from home and family forced me to adapt and learn new skills—marketing, sales, and project management. I started developing service packages tailored for self-published authors, covering everything from illustrations and design to formatting and understanding printing requirements.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of helping over 250 authors self-publish their books on Amazon, print-on-demand platforms, and even through overseas printing. Many of these stories are deeply personal, drawing on the authors’ own life experiences. It’s been incredibly inspiring to support creators who transform their struggles into stories that help children heal, learn, and grow.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What I want the world to know about my business and my brand is that it’s built on resilience, dedication, and the belief in showing up for your craft every single day. My journey began with the support of my family, mentors, and early exposure to art, but it was pushing through challenges, trusting my passion, and staying consistent that turned a dream into a business.

More importantly, my business exists to champion stories that deserve to be told. I’m here for the authors who have experiences, struggles, and triumphs they want to share with the world. Whether it’s a tale that helps children heal, teaches life lessons, or simply sparks joy, I’ve made it my mission to ensure those stories come to life in the most beautiful, impactful way possible.

My brand is a reflection of that persistence—of crafting something meaningful and showing up not just for your art, but for the people whose stories you have the privilege to illustrate. That’s what my work is all about.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
someone were to visit Ecuador, the first place I’d take them would be the Galápagos Islands. There’s truly no place like it—it’s magical. Imagine walking down a boardwalk and coming face-to-face with sea lions lounging in the sun, sea turtles gliding beneath the waves, pelicans fishing, and even catching a glimpse of a shark in the water nearby. Every corner of the Galápagos feels alive with wonder and inspiration.

The islands have profoundly influenced me, not just as a traveler but as an artist. So many of my illustrations and personal projects have drawn from the experiences I’ve had there. There’s something about being immersed in a place so vibrant and untamed that sparks creativity in a way nothing else can.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My greatest supporters have always been my mom and dad. From a young age, my mom recognized my passion for drawing—even when I was sketching stick figures and carefully adding fingers to them. She saw potential in my early creativity and, with my dad’s support, was able to provide me with an art education after school.

Growing up with a dad who’s both a business owner and a natural storyteller shaped my perspective in so many ways. His entrepreneurial spirit and creativity inspired me to take risks, believe in my abilities, and keep pushing forward.

I’m also deeply grateful to the many art mentors who contributed to my growth. Their guidance and encouragement opened my eyes to the possibilities of pursuing an artistic career. Some of them exposed me to opportunities in international markets, which expanded my vision of what was achievable.

Traveling abroad for the first time was a turning point. Seeing illustrators and animators making a living from their passion filled me with hope and solidified my belief that I was on the right path. Those experiences, combined with the support of my family and mentors, gave me the confidence to pursue a career in illustration and share my work with the world.

Website: https://www.nadiaronquilloart.com/childrens-book-ilustration-portfolio/

Instagram: @nadiaronquilloart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-ronquillo-15359ab6

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/nadiaronquilloart/