PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Seasoned visual artist and art director with over 15 years experience in illustration, publication, and graphic design: including children's books, graphic novels, educational materials, movie posters, newspapers, fiction and non-fiction books, and ebooks. Energetic, detail-oriented, strong work ethic

SOFTWARE/TOOLS
Mastery of InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Autodesk Sketchbook Pro,  Storyboard Pro, Da Vinci Resolve, Microsoft Office Suite, traditional illustration media

WORK EXPERIENCE
Freelance children’s book illustrator (1994-present): collaborate with editors and designers to accomplish story objectives through research and visual development from thumbnail sketches to finished illustrations in a range of styles. Partner with muliticulural publishers to bring stories of underrepresented communities to life

In-house graphic designer and illustrator (1999-2005): San Francisco Study Center, a non-profit publishing house – Assist art director on all projects, including design, layout and illustration of a monthly newspaper, newsletters, annual reports, posters, books, and marketing materials.

CLIENTS
Chris Collins, Inc., Sathyans International, Moving Forward Institute, Creston Books, Lee and Low Books, Random House Books, Children’s Book Press, Tricycle Press, Mc-Graw Hill Publishing, The LIttle Lutheran, Eastwind Books, T’Boli Publishing, American Federation of Teachers, School of the Free Mind, The Nonprofit Doctor, Nonprofit Compensation Associates, Fairpay Surveys, WGBH Television, Dia de los Niños, Manilatown Heritage Foundation, Many Cultures Publishing, San Francisco Study Center, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Filipino American National Historical Society, Sulu Arts and Books, Building Material Solutions, Shin Piano, NorCal Swim School

CURRENT PROJECTS
April 2024 release of illustrated children's book, Pedro's Yo Yos, from Lee and Low Books 

ILLUSTRATED BOOKS

LEE AND LOW BOOKS (NEW YORK, NY)
Pedro’s Yo-Yos (2024), Willie Wins (2001)

CRESTON BOOKS (BERKELEY, CA)
The Girl Who Saved Yesterday (2016)

RANDOM HOUSE/ TRICYCLE PRESS (BERKELEY, CA)
Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee (2009)

CHILDREN’S BOOK PRESS (SAN FRANCISCO, CA)
On Our Block (anthology (2007) , Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel
(2006), Xochitl and the Flowers (2003), Lakas and the Manilatown Fish
(2002), Honoring Our Ancestors (anthology,1999)

MANY CULTURES PUBLISHING (SAN FRANCISCO, CA)
Mga Kuwentong Bayan: Folk Stories from the Philippines (1995)

AWARDS/NOTICES
Kirkus—starred review for Pedro’s Yo-Yos and The Girl Who Saved Yesterday, Booklist—starred review, for Sky High, 2009, Parent’s Choice Silver Honor Award, 1999, Skipping Stones Honor designation, 2000, both for Honoring Our Ancestors; Américas Award Commended designation, 2003, Independent Publishers Book Award finalist, 2004, both for Xochitl and the Flowers; Children’s Books of the Year designation, Bank Street College, for Willie Wins

1998: City of Oakland Cultural Arts Division (Creative Arts Fellowship - Painting), Oakland, CA
1995: LEF Foundation, St. Helena, CA; Zellerbach Family Fund, San Francisco, CA; Art Matters (Painting Fellowship), New York City, NY

SELECTED WORKSHOPS/PRESENTATIONS
2014: Lakas and the Manilatown Fish presentation, “Reclaiming the Promise,” Woodrow Wilson Elementary School – Daly City, CA
2009 - 2012: Sky High presentation(s), UC Berkeley(Berkeley, CA), Los Positas College (Livermore, CA), Lazear Elementary School (Oakland, CA), Palo Verde Elementary School, Ohlone Elementary School, and Keys School (Palo Alto, CA)
2007: Children’s Book Press Illustrator/Editor presentation (SomArts Gallery – San Francisco, CA)
2004: Lakas and the Manilatown Fish presentation (College of San Mateo – San Mateo, CA)

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Illustration, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA
California College of the Arts, Oakland, CA