Catarina O.

Catarina O. – Designer

I'm a specialized children's book illustrator and cover designer with an eye for detail, creating unique images that bring stories to life.

Overview

SCHEDULE UPDATE: I'm currently available for book cover projects only. Thank you!


Hello!

My name is Catarina. I'm a graphic designer turned into an illustrator passionate about illustrating stories that capture kids' imagination. And I've been a freelancer since 2015!


My illustration style ranges from detailed and realistic to fun and bold characters. I've illustrated Picture Books for traditional publishing houses like Ulysses Press, Penguin Workshop and Owlkids in the US and Canada, including a non-fiction title.


COVERS

If you need a cover for your book, I'd be happy to help. I can create custom cover art and lettering designs for genres like fantasy and adventure for Middle-grade and romance for Young Adult.

I love adding customized lettering and other details to the jacket, making the reader wonder about the story behind the title.


PICTURE BOOKS AND INTERIOR ILLUSTRATIONS

My favourite topics include animals, nature and character-driven storytelling.

I divide the project into manageable sections, like thumbnail sketching, line drawing, and colour finals, with room for your feedback and direction. The thumbnail sketching stage (storyboard) is crucial for establishing page turns, compositions, and character design, all of which will complement the text and help the message get across to the reader.

Besides Picture Books, I'm also available to create grayscale illustrations for chapter books or Middle-grade and respective eye-catching covers.


I don't ever use any generative AI apps or programs in my work.


When working with me, clients can expect friendly and professional service.


Let's get started!

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade New Adult
Languages
English
Certifications
  • Bachelors Degree in Communication Design (Graphic Design)

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2014 — Present

With ten years of experience as a Graphic designer in various creative jobs, I now work as a freelance digital illustrator for publishers and magazines and help brands connect with their audience and communicate their message through illustration.

Recent Clients:
Owlkids Publishing
Chirp and Chickadee Magazines
24Life Magazine
Common Deer Press
Ulysses Press

Ulysses Press

Dec, 2019 — Mar, 2021 (about 1 year)

I've illustrated two picture books for Ulysses Press.

Owlkids Publishing

Nov, 2019 — May, 2020 (6 months)

I've illustrated for two of their magazines - Chirp and Chickadee mag.

Catarina has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Manny L.

Manny L.

Sep, 2024

Pinned
Catarina went above and beyond for this cover. She created the exact kind of illustration that I had in mind. She took my very rough idea and transformed it into the professional work of art that I imagined. I definitely want to work with her again on future projects.

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