Meet Natalia Moore | Author/Illustrator of 100+ books & Founder of EVOQ
We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalia Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Natalia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
There is no reward without taking a risk, and oftentimes, the greater the risk, the greater the reward. I learned this to be true when I took a significant risk to quit my career as a teacher and give it my all in pursuing my dream since I was a child: becoming a published children’s book author and illustrator. It all started when the school year ended and summer break began. I knew I wanted to pursue creative work, but I found it too regimented as a teacher. I told myself I’d give it one shot, and if it worked out, I would give it my all, so I created a portfolio with new illustrations and stories I made that summer to submit to the top agencies in the UK. I was quickly signed by one, and my career as an illustrator and author of children’s books grew.
As a young girl, I created characters and wrote stories to entertain my younger brothers. This joy for storytelling and illustration propelled me through more challenging years in secondary school when I became a target of such severe bullying that I had to hide in the bathroom and eat my lunch in a bathroom stall every day for five years. Because I was targeted every day in classes, between classes, and many days on my long walk back home, I befriended the librarian and teachers.
The library was my sanctuary. It was here that I participated in every writing and illustration contest, which often took place monthly and for all the holidays. I poured every ounce of my passion into those contests and won every competition, especially placing first in every seasonal contest. Today, I’ve had the honor to illustrate and author over 100 children’s book titles, working with the biggest publishing houses and having had my books read by esteemed public figures, including the Duchess of York, to influential storytellers on TikTok and YouTube, to loving mums and dads to their kids.
Last year, a new risk presented itself: I took a leap of faith to leave the agency and pursue more creative projects with more flexibility, including founding my creative agency, EVOQ, which helps businesses uplevel their branding and websites, optimize content, scale social media, and engage audiences and customers with authentic storytelling. That risk presented me with an abundance of new opportunities I couldn’t have imagined and led me to travel to parts of the world I never foresaw myself going to. Those travels have played a crucial role in expanding my creativity in the new books I’ve been working on. What I’m most excited about is how I can inspire and serve others through my children’s books and by helping them write their own.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art is my language of creativity and storytelling. My work is defined by an insatiable passion for exploring innovative concepts and turning simple ideas into compelling narratives. I believe that my unique approach to blending imagination with a strong narrative perspective sets me apart in a competitive industry.
The path to success in the art world hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced my share of setbacks—experiencing the disappointment of projects that didn’t come through. Yet, each setback redirected me to opportunities that aligned even more closely with my creative vision. For example, collaborating with an actress who fully embraced my creative process not only allowed me to push artistic boundaries but also resulted in a project I am immensely proud of.
I’ve learned that perseverance, resilience, and the willingness to take creative risks are essential to growth. Every challenge has helped refine my craft, reinforcing the belief that creativity is not just a skill but a way of life. I want the world to know that every piece I create is a chapter of my story—a celebration of imagination, authenticity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
With EVOQ, our visionary team of award-winning talent is here to empower your business. We combine creativity with strategic insight to deliver originality, authenticity, and superior success. Our mission is to help you achieve your goals and transform your vision into impactful, standout results.
Together, my art and EVOQ represent a commitment to pushing boundaries, telling compelling stories, and making a meaningful difference.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Los Angeles, here’s exactly how I’d plan an unforgettable week:
Day 1
I’d kick off the trip by checking us into the stunning Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. After settling in, I’d take a slow, meandering walk along scenic trails—discovering hidden beach caves and a tranquil frog pond. I’d treat us to some sweet macaroons and gelato, setting the perfect mood before dinner at Nelson’s Restaurant, where we’d savor gourmet dishes with the sun dipping over the Pacific and whales breaching in the background.
Day 2
We’d spend the day soaking in the natural beauty of Palos Verdes. I love hiking along panoramic coastal trails, where every turn offers breathtaking ocean views and a sense of freedom. For lunch, I wouldn’t miss getting us an iconic In-N-Out burger—complete with animal-style fries loaded with chopped chilis and a cheeseburger with extra spread, a true taste of California. The rest of the day would be about unwinding in the resort’s serene atmosphere.
Day 3
Next, it’s time for some high-energy fun at Universal Studios. We’d start with the heart-pounding rides like The Mummy Returns and the Jurassic Park ride, then dive into the playful world of Super Nintendo World. To cap the day, we’d join an immersive studio park tour, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that makes Universal so memorable.
Day 4
I’d shift gears to explore the vibrant pulse of downtown LA. We’d begin with a refreshing brunch at a local hotspot, then wander through creative neighborhoods and dynamic art districts. Later, we’d indulge in some delicious food and drinks from Erewhon..and, of course, desserts. Dinner would be an adventure as I sample bold local pizzas—starting with Fat Tomato Pizza and rounding off with the distinctive Popeye’s White Pie Pizza.
Day 5
For a day of pure magic, I’d take my bestie to Disneyland Resort with a park-hopper pass. We’d make sure to hit all the must-do attractions—experiencing the adrenaline of the Tower of Terror, the fun of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and the epic journey of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Of course, we wouldn’t miss classics like Indiana Jones and the high-speed thrills of Big Thunder Mountain to round out the day.
Day 6
We’d then embrace the laid-back California vibe at Hermosa Beach. Imagine strolling on sun-kissed sands, watching surfers ride the waves, and soaking in that relaxed beach atmosphere. In the afternoon, we’d explore nearby eclectic neighborhoods—checking out local street art and boutique shops. For dinner, a wholesome meal at Good Stuff or Baja Sharkeez to capture the essence of LA.
Day 7
For the final day, I’d opt for a blissfully relaxing experience. We’d start with a visit to Wi Spa, diving into a rejuvenating session where we’d spend extra time in the pink Himalayan salt and jade rooms, each offering a unique, restorative vibe. Afterward, we’d head out to enjoy some authentic Mexican street food—imagine savoring delicious tacos and other treats that capture the authentic flavor of LA. To top it all off, we’d take a lovely evening beach walk along a quiet stretch of coast, watching the sunset paint the sky in vibrant hues—a perfect, peaceful farewell to an unforgettable week.
This week-long itinerary perfectly blends coastal luxury, thrilling adventures, urban exploration, and moments of pure relaxation, all wrapped up in the unique spirit of Los Angeles.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Grandad Ray encouraged my artistic journey from a very young age. Our time together was always special—we would draw and paint side by side, and he even taught me calligraphy. He always made sure I had the best supplies, fueling hours of focused creativity. One of his unique habits was drawing a little Robin Redbreast, which he affectionately called his signature. When I was nine, he advised me to practice my signature, insisting that one day it would be important. I haven’t changed it since. Every time I sign my name, I remember him—especially the distinctive way he wrote the letter “R” in his surname. Though he has passed, his influence remains a cherished part of my story.
Website: https://www.nataliamoore.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missnatalia_m
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-moore-506664152/
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