“My greatest accomplishment as an illustrator is when a child enjoys a book,” said Leira who goes by the moniker of 'I Cenizal'. Her website says she’s infatuated with rhymes and has loved to draw ever since she was a kid.
Leira recalls how she would always check the ‘About the Illustrator' page of her picture books and dreamt that she’ll see her name someday, too. And just like in children’s fairy tale books, dreams do come true as she now has illustrated numerous children’s books for authors around the world.
As an art degree holder from the Philippines, Leira is also into watercolour art and in fact, her artworks were displayed at Artfix Gallery in Lagoona Mall.
Leira also finished an Illustrating Children's Book Course from London Art College in December 2017. Let’s find out more about her creative journey to becoming the illustrator she is today.
Leira: My name is Leira Cenizal-Palma. I'm originally from the Philippines and have always been a full-time Children’s Book Illustrator before coming to Qatar. I love traveling and exploring places where I can paint beautiful sceneries. Living in Qatar for eight years, I can say that there are many subjects and stories I’m genuinely interested in, especially when it comes to family, culture, and arts.
Leira: An illustrator is someone who brings the story to life through drawing and painting. Drawing and painting are very therapeutic for me. Both are ways of translating the story of the author to the children and inspiring their young minds.
I always learn something new from the illustrations I create for each of the stories. Illustrating a children’s book comes with a lot of research and study, which I really enjoy.
Leira: Stories and illustrations boost kids' imagination and encourage them to do many creative things. There are various situations in life that you will not get exposed to and from my experience, I learned a lot through reading.
Leira: Mostly from my childhood memories which I enjoyed a lot. Some of the stories from the authors are like taking a trip down memory lane and I had a chance to share my childhood experiences through my illustrations.
Living in Qatar and visiting other places inspire me as well because I am given the chance to experience different cultures and adventures. Over the years I've realized that to illustrate more effectively, you have to see and experience many things.
Leira: I have illustrated more than 50 published books by authors in different parts of the world. Some books have been translated into other languages such as German and Chinese, while the others were dual-language books in English and French, Italian, and Spanish.
Leira: The time I was first commissioned to illustrate a book in early 2013 was very exciting. What I was not expecting was that the second commission came right after.
Before, I used to submit proposals and portfolios to authors through online freelancing platforms. Then I created my official online portfolio and used my Instagram account to share my artwork.
Some of my projects are from previous clients, others are referrals, a few from my Instagram, and there was a publishing company too who discovered one of my illustrated books and commissioned me regularly. It continues until now and I've got a chance to work on a lot of sequels too.
Leira: I use watercolor for traditional illustrations and Adobe Creative Suite for digital illustration. Recently, I discovered a software called Procreate which I think suits my lifestyle as I am normally moving places.
Leira: I’ve been working on a lot of children’s books right now, mostly about kids with disabilities. I learned a lot from each story that I am currently working on — different subjects, races, stories, etc.
Leira: Just enjoy the work process and take time to discover your own illustration style. Be consistent and continue your passion as this profession is one satisfying way to live.
Cover image credit: Leira Cenizal-Palma
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