Illustrator Spotlight: Loris Lora

Today we are pleased to feature illustrator Loris Lora MAY YOUR LIFE BE DELICIOSA written by Michael Genhart (Abrams Books September 14, 2021). Enter to win a copy!

Welcome, Loris!

Tell us about yourself and how you came to illustrate for children.

My name is Loris Lora and I'm a Southern California based Latina illustrator. While attending Art Center College of Design (Pasadena, CA) I really enjoyed a class called Children's Book Illustration taught by one of my favorite instructors and friend, Steve Turk. I fell in love with the process and how illustration can connect to a young audience. My first book Eventually Everything Connects (published by Nobrow Press) was originally a project I had worked on while studying at Art Center College of Design. That book project helped launch my path into children's books and I've been very fortunate to be able to continue working on book projects ever since.

Congrats on your new picture book, May Your Life Be Deliciosa! Tell us about the story & how you approached the illustration assignment.

Thank you so much! I was thrilled about the project when it was originally presented to me. It felt like the perfect fit- Mexican traditions, making tamales, and nostalgic imagery. The story centers around a family's holiday gathering of making tamales. When little Rosie asks about the recipe, Abuelita responds that it is in her heart. Each step carries a special message from Abuelita and how to make her life 'delicious'. One of the first things I did was surround myself with colorful Mexican folk art, inspiring photographs from the time periods, and tamales! Being inspired by the text, I then drew out scenes-- Developing the characters, environment, and the overall flow of the book.

You work in many areas, from illustration to design to fine art. How do these practices influence each other and your children's illustrations?

They all are part of me and reflect the things I enjoy and love making. It becomes second nature and I just find incorporating all 3 into everything I make. I'm always thinking about design when I'm creating an image and love being able to find clever ways to combine the two along with having my personality come through.

Was your road to publication as a children's illustrator long and winding, short and sweet, or something in between?

Maybe somewhere in between. I was very fortunate to work on my first book while finishing up college but it’s taken a long time to develop work and get it to a spot where I feel more confident with my work and be able to take on projects I feel passionate about.

What projects are you working on?

As an illustrator, I get to work on all sorts of fun projects and it's always different. Some days I'll be working on an editorial piece for a major newspaper or magazine and other days I could be working on an upcoming book project. Currently, I’m working on a very special book with HarperCollins called Phenomenal AOC: The Roots and Rise of Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez, America’s Youngest Congresswoman. I admire AOC and everything she represents, so I'm incredibly excited about it.

What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators?

Explore as many different mediums that interest you and always be curious in learning new things. In the past, I really enjoyed sewing, woodworking, silkscreening, and ceramic making. I think all these things helped inform my creative voice and have allowed me to see my art applied onto different surfaces. And also, don't forget to drink water and take walks! Especially if you're sitting at a desk most of the day.

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

With moving into a new home (1925 spanish bungalow), I've been really getting into home preservation and have enjoyed the show Restored. I love seeing old homes getting restored back to their original beauty while also being functional for a modern lifestyle.

Where can people find you online?

My website (lorislora.com) is the best way to see my portfolio. You can also find me on Instagram (loris_lora) to see some of my latest projects and to see some fun things I enjoy or are inspired by.

Loris Lora is a Southern California illustrator-based illustrator and designer. She is a multi-disciplinary artist who has worked with various publications, surface design and featured in galleries across the globe. Her work is largely inspired by her Mexican upbringing and appreciation of mid-century design. When Loris is not illustrating she enjoys watching old movies, going to flea markets, and escaping to the desert.

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