iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

HELLO, OCTOBER! 🍂🧡🎃 I’m ready for you! For your splendorous show of colours, for pumpkin spiced flavours, for cozy evenings sipping apple & cinnamon tea - and yes, of course, for spooky season and all such wonders we can expect from these glorious Autumn days. Bring it on! 😊 #KidLitArtPostcard

Kid Lit Art Postcard by author & illustrator Raquel Costa, featuring a blonde girl cooking pumpkin soup with her tiny mouse friend.

05311

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE! ⭐️🎄⭐️ Once again, I want to thank you for all your kindness, friendship and support throughout the years! I count myself very fortunate to have you by my side along this journey! ♥️ #childrensillustration #kidlitart #xmasillustration #merrychristmas #happyholidays

150

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

“MISS WHISTLE” is a new chapter book collection, written by @izambujal, illustrated by me, and published by @livroshorizonte. Our protagonist, Irene, is a teenage girl who becomes the world's most applauded soccer referee. In this first book, we learn about her lovely origin story. ✨ #kidlitart

110

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

FESTA DOS PEQUENOS LEITORES 2025 ✨ Excited to share the poster illustration I created for the Young Readers Festival, commissioned by the Portuguese National Library! This year’s festival theme is “The Voyage” (1/4) #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #illustration #bookfestival

130

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

So happy to announce that “Thanks Blanket” was shortlisted to the World Illustration Awarfs in Children’s Publishing category. Thank you very much The AOI and the members of the jury. ❤️ Congratulations to all the other shortlisted illustrators! ✨

130

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

Very happy and proud to share that my book, “25 Women” has been selected for the Portuguese National Reading Plan - a list of school reading suggestions, curated by a panel of kidlit specialists and academics. To read my lengthy reflection on this journey, head over to my IG profile! 😊❤️

120

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

🧵 Distinguished Book Seal Award for “25 WOMEN” ✨ SELOS CAMINHOS DE LEITURA, presented by the Reading Observatory of Pombal (Portugal) at Lisbon Book Fair! “25 Women” won the SELO DISTINÇÃO (Distinguished Book Seal), awarded by a jury of experts and academics on children’s books studies.

220

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

Tomorrow, my home city of Braga will host the initiative “A Day for Camões” – a celebration of the Portuguese Language, part of the Commemorations of the 5th Centenary of the Birth of Luís de Camões, paying homage to the poet’s unique work. #EditorialIllustration #Camões #PosterDesign

120

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

✨ “25 Women” won the SELO DISTINÇÃO (Distinguished Book Seal) at the prestigious CAMINHOS DE LEITURA AWARDS, presented by the Reading Observatory of Pombal (Portugal)! ✨ #KidLit #KidLitArt #picturebooks #childrensbooks #WorldBookDay

220

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Today we celebrate Father’s Day here in Portugal. This one goes out to all loving dads out there. And, of course, to the most special one of them all: mine. ☺️ #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #fathersday

0162

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

“NOA” published in Türkiye 💛 I am tremendously happy with the news that "Noa", brilliantly written by Susana Cardoso Ferreira and illustrated by me was translated into Turkish and is already on sale in Türkiye! #kidlit #kidlitart #KidLitArtPostcard #childrensbooks

3352

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Maria Teresa Horta: an unspeakable loss, of a woman of poetic flair and unwavering courage. What can we give back to one who has given us so much, while shaking the world forward? 1/2 #womenartists #womensrights #illustration #kidlitart #mariateresahorta #trêsmarias

1181

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Incredibly happy that my illustrations for “25 Mulheres” were shortlisted for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2025 Illustrators Exhibition! ✨ It’s an honour to be among the finalists in this prestigious event, alongside fellow portuguese illustrator Mariana Rio! ✨ #childrensbooks #kidlitart

3141

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Thinking about all the things that keep us warm when life gets a little chilly, this came to mind: friendship is the warmest blanket, wouldn’t you say? 💛 One more process video from my newest picture book, “Thanks, Blanket”, released in December 2024, both in Canada and in Portugal. #kidlitart

0112

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

Hey, guys! Hope you’re having a wonderful start of the new year! ✨These early days of January have been grey, stormy and chilly around here, not a great time to be outdoors. #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #thanksblanket

160

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 24/12/2024

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE! ⭐️🎄⭐️ I’m so grateful for all your kindness, friendship and support! Thank you so much for sticking by me throughout the years! ♥️ Whatever traditions you embrace, whether you’re celebrating the holidays or not, I’m wishing you a joyful season! #happyholidays #merryxmas

141

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

“THANKS, BLANKET!” ALREADY AVAILABLE! 💛 You won’t find a warmest, more snuggliest, book this Christmas: “Thanks, Blanket!”, written by Chris Vanderkooy eand illustrated by me, is now available in a brand new edition by The Poets and Dragons Society! #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks

170

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

So happy to share that my illustrations for “25 Mulheres” have won a Merit Award in the 11th Edition of Hiii Illustration International Competition! ✨ Truly honoured by this distinction, my deepest thanks to the jury, chaired by Martin Salisbury! ❤️ Congratulations to all my fellow illustrators!

030

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

Truly honoured that my illustrations for “25 Mulheres” have been juried into the Society Of Illustrators 67th Annual exhibit and book! ✨ My deepest thanks to the @soi128.bsky.social and the jury! Special shout out to my editor Ana Maduro, at Oficina do Livro/LEYA, for believing in this book! ❤️

140

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 28/11/2024

All beginnings beget an end, and our story is no different. Let’s jump back in, fast forwarding right into its final chapters. We spin the final yarn of the tale of wonder and woe known as “Thanks, Blanket!” 😊 1/7 #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #childrensbooks #thanksblanket

260

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

Gather ye ‘round, fair folk! - for tonight we continue the tale of “Thanks, Blanket!”. The picture book seven years in the making! 😊 Following the first stages of visual development, back in 2017, I didn’t hear from Chris or Lindsay for quite a while. 1/7 #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks

1140

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

I’d like to tell you a story about a new picture book that’s been long in the making. Seven years, to be precise. It’s kind of a long story, but I promise it’ll be worth it! 💛 The book will be available very soon, and I’ll be sharing all the details in the coming days. 1/6 #kidlit #kidlitart

151

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Little boxes, big boxes, tiny boxes… When you’re a cat, “If I fits, I sits” is your motto! 😸 Couple more sneak peeks into the illustrations I created for the book “Sofia e o Dia da Fotografia”, written by Sofia Vieira and published by The Poets & Dragons Society. #kidlit #kidlitart #childrensbooks

0130

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

“Cuddly Cat! Scrawny Cat! Whiny Cat!” ✨ Another detail of the illustrations I created for the book “Sofia e o Dia da Fotografia”, written by Sofia Vieira and published by The Poets & Dragons Society. #kidlit #kidlitart #childrensbooks #characterdesign #catillustrations

170

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 20/11/2024

Now that the frenzy of literary events has calmed down a bit, I want to take the opportunity to share some details of the new book I illustrated, “Sofia and The Day of The Photoshoot”! 💛 #kidlitart #kidlit #childrensbooks #catillustrations

25112

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 31/10/2024

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! ✨🎃✨ Have fun, and stay weird, all you adorable tricksters! #halloween #monstermash #kidlitart

0112

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 25/02/2024

Here is the cover for “25 MULHERES”! Very proud to be presenting my very own book - that I both wrote and illustrated. ♥️ So grateful for all the support and enthusiasm you’ve shown these past few months! Without that loving energy you’ve lent me, I wouldn’t have been able to finish this book.

110

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 24/02/2024

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE! ♥️ Super excited for tomorrow’s class ver reveal for my new book “25 MULHERES”! 😊 Things are moving really fast now, so you can expect a flurry of news this next week! #kidlit #kidlitart #PictureBooks #bookcover

020

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 18/02/2024

Finished all the artwork for my book “25 Mulheres”. What a wild ride! I feel beyond spent and still have to finish up some text revisions before I send it over to my publisher 1st thing tomorrow morning. I’m gonna put that adrenaline boost into this last leg of work. Wish me luck! #kidliart #books

040

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 31/01/2024

Another close look into “25 Mulheres” work in progress. Texture plays a great part in this book, when trying to define tone and convey movement. I’m trying to keep in mind the lessons of grand master Kurosawa when defining action and space and the interaction between character and background. 1/2

120

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 30/01/2024

First peek at my new book “25 Mulheres” (“25 Women”) artwork. Having lots of fun with a more painterly style I’ve been developing for quite a while. Also working on improving the “acting” of my characters, through facial expression. #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks

390

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 29/01/2024

NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT ✨ This is a special one. For the first time, I will become a children’s book author. ✨ For over 10 years, I’ve been creating pictures to bring other people’s words to life. 1/2 #kidlit #kidlitart #childrensbooks

2100

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 11/01/2024

CREATIVITY ✨ July illustration for Croatian tech company CROZ 2023 calendar. ✨ This theme was also a favourite of mine. My interpretation of creativity always revolves around the same concept: problem-solving. 1/2

110

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 10/01/2024

SUSTAINABILITY ✨ June illustration for Croatian tech company CROZ 2023 calendar. ✨ I see this theme as the one true compass of our generation. As our knowledge and understanding of the world around us increases, so does our awareness and responsibility. 1/2 #illustration #kidlitart #conceptart

110

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 09/01/2024

Hey #PortfolioDay! I'm Raquel, an artist/illustrator from Portugal. ✨ I work in editorial + children's books illustration, & concept art for animation. I love to create scenes with strong emotional moods and limited color palettes. 🔸instagram.com/littleblackspot 🔸hello@littleblackspot.com

1295

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 09/01/2024

FLOW ✨ May illustration for Croatian tech company CROZ 2023 calendar. ✨ This concept is closely tied with that of harmony: I interpreted it, for this illustration, as a state of seemingly effortless balance, in which every part of a whole works perfectly together to create something extraordinary.

010

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 07/01/2024

EXPERIMENT ✨ April illustration for Croatian tech company CROZ 2023 calendar. ✨ This theme is also a favourite of mine. Experimentation encompasses ideas of play, curiosity and discovery. It’s a close ally for creative output, and for growth - both literal (natural) and metaphorical (personal).

000

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 05/01/2024

HARMONY ✨ March illustration for Croatian tech company CROZ 2023 calendar. ✨Harmony is such a simple yet layered concept. I focused the illustration on the idea of togetherness: with a sense that magic arises through the warmth of human connection.

000

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 05/01/2024

FEARLESS ✨ February illustration for Croatian tech company CROZ 2023 calendar. ✨For this theme, the idea was very simple: even the smallest beings are capable of great courage, bringing light to the darkest corners where fear resides. #kidlitart #illustration

030

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 03/01/2024

COMMUNITY ✨ January illustration for Croatian tech company CROZ 2023 calendar. ✨For this theme, I wanted to highlight how in a community everyone can make a difference in achieving wonderful things. #illustration #kiitart

000

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 02/01/2024

Late in 2022 I was commissioned by CROZ, a technology company based in Croatia, to create illustrations for a 2023 desk calendar. The calendar was meant to be gifted to clients and partners on Holiday Season in 2022, inviting them to join a fundraising campaign benefiting several Croatian NGO’s.

100

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 24/12/2023

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE! ⭐️🎄⭐️ Though we’re living through ever challenging times, having your kindness, friendship and support along this journey means the world to me. Thank you for being there! ♥️ #kidlitart #Xmas #HolidayCheer

1102

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 19/12/2023

Teresinha & Gabriela are the protagonists from the 2nd story in "Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo". 💛 They couldn't be more different when we first meet them: a little princess and a kind of tomboy. Fun to see those barriers get diluted, differences being overcome, & the triumph of friendship. 😊 #kidlitart

020

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 14/12/2023

This was the first illustration I created for “Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo", which ended up setting the rules of the visual language for the book. Going for a more minimalistic approach was hard, as I'm used to working with more rendered & detailed illustration styles. #kidlitart

270

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 10/12/2023

Meet Caloca! 💛 Real name, Carlos Alberto. Nickname, The Ball King. Protagonist from the 3rd & final story in “Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo”, written by Ruth Rocha, published by Tinta-da China. A fun story about discovering the true meaning of friendship. #kidlitart #PictureBooks #kidlit

011

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 09/12/2023

Meet Teresinha & Gabriela! 💛 Protagonists from the second story in “Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo”, written by Brazilian author Ruth Rocha. A lovely story about empathy & friendship, and how our worlds expand when we accept difference & diversity. #kidlitart #picturebooks #kidlit

020

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 07/12/2023

"MARCELO, MARMELO, MARTELO" has finally arrived in bookstores today! 💛 Such an incredibly fun project do work on! Super happy I got to illustrate this new edition of this Brazilian children's literary classic authored by Ruth Rocha. 💛 #kidlitart #KidLitArtPostcard #picturebook

070

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 28/11/2023

Today we’re celebrating #GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement that encourages people to give and do good. 💛 So, throwback time! I created this illustration for @GivingTuesdayPT in 2020, inspired by the motto “Together we can change the world”. #kidli #kidlitart

060

Raquel Costa @littleblackspot.bsky.social · 22/11/2023

✨NEW BOOK! ✨Super thrilled to share the news: "MARCELO, MARMELO, MARTELO" is a children's literary classic, written by Brazilian author Ruth Rocha, which I had the immense pleasure of illustrating. #kidlit #kidlitart #kidlitillustrators

1143