iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Exactly, that’s my point! I feel so unproductive and guilty just taking a break. 🙈 But I really need to accept that resting is necessary. And thank you so much for the tip about the grips! I’ll definitely check them out.

010

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Well, in fact, yesterday I could barely move my neck and arm, but today I'm feeling better! 😄

010

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Sometimes you have to stop and rest... don't wait (like me 😅) until something actually hurts! Neck and arm pain today. I know I need to rest, but I honestly don't know HOW to rest 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I always want to be doing something! 😅

220

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Haley is an incredible artist, and right now she is going through a very difficult battle. Please take a moment to read her story, donate, or share the link to support her and her family. 💖 gofund.me/939236a1b

gofund.me

Donate to Help Haley With What’s Ahead, organized by Haley Tippmann

Hi, I’m Haley. I’m a 32-year-old American illustrator living in Germany, and I have adva… Haley Tippmann needs your support for Help Haley With What’s Ahead

045

Reposted by Antonieta Muñoz Estrada

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

This time, I did things a bit differently; I drew the characters before even having a story in mind. But as I was drawing, an idea sparked for Iris and Marcelo. The story is still in development, but I wanted to work on this personal piece now, since I'm about to start a new project soon...🤫 #kidlit

081

Reposted by Antonieta Muñoz Estrada

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard! I’m Antonieta, a children’s book illustrator from Mexico. I love creating vibrant, heartwarming worlds and joyful characters that bring stories to life. Seeking representation|Open for: Picture Books, Board Books, & Early Readers. #kidlitart Portfolio: www.mariadrawss.com

0304

Reposted by Antonieta Muñoz Estrada

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Hi #PortfolioDay ! I'm Antonieta, a kidlit illustrator from Mexico. Open for: Picture Books, Board Books, & Early Readers. I have illustrated books for Beaming Books, Richmond, Edelvives, and my recent board book, Manny Matches the Weather, with Charlesbridge. mariadrawss.com #KidlitArt

0237

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

081

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Don't ask yourself what you are going to draw, but rather what you want to tell. 💖 #kidlit #kidlitart

0141

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Every artist has a unique vision, and the way you draw will always differ from others. Your true voice comes from your own opinions, your feelings, and how you see the world. 💖

010

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

5. Finding your own voice! Some time ago, someone told me I needed to "find my own voice." Recently, I realized that an artist's true voice actually comes from observing your own reality and the subjects you want to capture.

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

💔 Speaking of rejections... I literally just received another one right now (yes, in real-time! 😅). But that is just part of the journey. Please remember that this is simply my own perspective—a little recap of what I’ve learned so far, and I truly hope it can be useful to some of you.

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Where to host your portfolio? * If you are starting out: use Behance (it’s free!). * If you can afford it: look for a platform that is accessible and budget-friendly in the long run. * Make sure to learn the basics of SEO—it will help search engines find your website

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Showcase character sheets, sketches, process videos, character introductions, and a sequence of images to show how the character moves and behaves. Focus on drawing expressive poses and designing lovable characters that stand out!

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Back to the portfolio... One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received recently is from the comment Tim Budgen left on my post yesterday. I won’t repeat what he said, but here is the link, because it is absolute gold! 👇 www.threads.com/@mrtimdraws/...

threads.com

Tim Budgen (@mrtimdraws) on Threads

Hope this helps - good luck

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

⚠️ A quick reality check: Not every experience along the way will be a good one. You have to learn to deal with all kinds of people, be as professional as possible, and stand your ground. Learn to negotiate, and never, ever start working on a project until you have signed a contract!

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

It paid off, as those projects eventually led me to illustrate my first picture book with Beaming Books and my first board book with Charlesbridge!

120

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

In the beginning, I lacked experience, so I chose to take some low-paying jobs. I don't necessarily recommend taking underpaid work, but that was my personal choice to build a portfolio.

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

4. Draw, draw, draw... but with purpose! Before doing anything else, you must work on your portfolio. Honestly, this is the area where I've had to ask for help. I’ve been looking for an agent for about three years now and still get rejections.

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Research everything about the agency and the individual agents. Check what each one is looking for, if you match their wish list, and, above all, make sure that agent is currently open to submissions!

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Most importantly, make sure they don't already have several illustrators with a style too similar to yours. Otherwise, that spot might already be filled.

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

3. Do your homework: Search! If you decide you want to look for an agent, the first thing you need to do is research which agencies are out there and where your style fits.

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

For others, their portfolio speaks for itself and publishers reach out directly. And if you make your own merch, sell online, or do local markets, you definitely don't need an agent. It all depends on your goals!

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Not everyone needs one. If you work in editorial, create patterns, or do licensing, you definitely want an ally to help with contracts. But many experienced artists choose to go independent because they already know how the industry works

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

2. Time to ask yourself the big questions. To start, you need to ask: Do I really need an agent? Why? Do I have enough experience to apply? Once you have the answers, you'll know where to begin.

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Every single path requires hard work, effort, determination, and believing in yourself. Because believing in who you are and what you do is key.

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

1. It's about luck, effort, and commitment. I’ve learned that the path is different for every illustrator. Some might have the luck of being discovered for their talent, others will have to pitch directly to agencies, and some might never have an agent at all.

110

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Rejections are a tough but inevitable part of the kidlit journey. Over the years, I’ve learned to see them not as a wall, but as a learning opportunity. Here is what this path has taught me so far... 🧵 #kidlit #kidlitart #illustration

192

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Later on, I’ll be sharing a post about the things I’ve learned on this journey to finding an agent. Stay tuned! #kidlitart

030

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

The first rejections of the year are here! Although it's tough, it doesn't sting the way it did during my first years. I’m staying optimistic and keeping my sense of humor!😅 I always want to keep growing, so I have a question for you: What is your best advice to polish a kidlit portfolio?💖 #kidlit

170

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

0237

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

0304

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

I just watched The Sheep Detective movie. It's so cute, it's impossible not to shed a tear. 😭😭😭😭

010

Reposted by Antonieta Muñoz Estrada

Gina Perry @ginaperry.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Our next #kidlitartpostcard event is coming up NEXT Thursday, July 2nd. More info here: www.ginaperry.com/postcard

ginaperry.com

All about KidLitArtPostcard — Gina Perry Illustrations

0298

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard! I’m Antonieta, a kidlit illustrator from Mexico. "You as a Kid!" This illustration is based on my dearest dog, Candy, and me. This is just a small sneak peek, I'll be sharing the full illustration soon! Open for new projects and rep. Portfolio: mariadrawss.com #kidlitart

A kidlit illustration showing a little girl and her dog, Candy, wearing superhero capes. Candy is happily running and chasing a bee, while the girl runs right behind her.

0414

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

I was drawing my postcard for tomorrow, but it suddenly started to rain heavily, so I had to stop.🙈 I hope to continue when it stops, but honestly, there's a high chance I'm just going to fall asleep.🙃

010

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Mystery solved: it was just a calcium deficiency all along 😝

010

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

It's still #mermay ! So I had to make something special for it. I worked with the first prompt of the list: Hello! I thought of a mermaid giving a warm welcome to a dear friend. I loved drawing all the fish, it was so much fun! 😄 Someday I'd like to draw a book of mermaids.💖 #kidliart #kidlit

061

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Another rejection from another agency... but at 5:30 a.m.? Well, that's new. 😅

040

Reposted by Antonieta Muñoz Estrada

Gina Perry @ginaperry.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

ICYMI, the June 4th #KidLitArtPostcard event marks the 5th anniversary. That's two weeks away! I'm suggesting a theme for our illustrations: You, as a kid. Learn more about the event here: www.ginaperry.com/postcard #kidlit

Turquoise and Pink text reads: 5 years of KidLitArtPostcard June 4th. Theme: You, as a Kid! Art and event by Gina Perry. Illustration of a girl running with an open mailbag of postcards that are spilling out. She's wearing a striped party hat, pink shirt and shoes, and a banana yellow mailbag.

18136

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Posting an oldie while I battle with a new sketch that just isn't 'clicking' yet! lol.🫠 Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing women out there.💖 Sending love especially to my Mom, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother among the stars.🌟💖 #kidlit #kidlitart #illustration

0112

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard ! I'm Antonieta, a kidlit illustrator from Mexico. So happy to share that my latest illustrated book MANNY MATCHES THE WEATHER, written by Jenny Lacika, is finally out! ☔️☀️ @charlesbridge.bsky.social Looking for representation and stories to illustrate! 💖 mariadrawss.com

1293

Reposted by Antonieta Muñoz Estrada

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Happy Book Birthday! ✨ MANNY MATCHES THE WEATHER is out! ☔️☀️ Written by Jenny Lacika & illustrated by me. A fun way to show little ones how the weather affects our clothing choices! @charlesbridge.bsky.social Proud to finally share this piece of my soul with you. 💖 #kidlit #boardbook #kidlitart

296

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

That’s wonderful! Jenny is so talented, and I feel very lucky to have illustrated this story.💖 Thank you for the kind words about the art!

010

Antonieta Muñoz Estrada @mariadrawss.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Thank you! That is such a lovely wish. 😊 I’m so happy to finally share this story with the world!💖

000

Reposted by Antonieta Muñoz Estrada

Stephanie @stephaniesb.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Congratulations to Jenny Lacika and @mariadrawss.bsky.social on this new book! Happy publishing day!

121

Reposted by Antonieta Muñoz Estrada

12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge @12x12challenge.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

📚 Yay, we're so excited for the #12x12PB members book birthday! 🎉 📚 MANNY MATCHES THE WEATHER by Jenny Lacika, illustrated by @mariadrawss.bsky.social, published by Charlesbridge is now available! Take a look: buff.ly/Qcd12TS #kidlit

0103