Meet Gabriela Vega

We were lucky to catch up with Gabriela Vega recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriela, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

1. Where do you get your resilience from?

As a children’s book illustrator, my resilience comes from a deep belief in the impact of my work and the passion I have for storytelling. The creative journey is filled with challenges, from navigating rejections to meeting tight deadlines, but my love for illustrating stories that inspire and empower young readers keeps me moving forward.

My cultural background also plays a big role in building my resilience. As a Latina artist, I’m motivated by the importance of representing underrepresented voices and sharing stories that celebrate diversity. Knowing that my work can make a difference for children who don’t always see themselves reflected in books gives me strength to persevere.

2. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to creating meaningful art for young readers. I also draw strength from my cultural roots and the desire to represent underrepresented voices in literature. Knowing that my art can help children feel seen and valued drives me to give my best effort in every project.

Additionally, the discipline I’ve developed through years of education and professional opportunities, like working with publishers and participating in mentorship programs, has taught me the importance of persistence, meeting deadlines, and continually refining my craft.

Finally, the joy and curiosity of children fuel my motivation. Their excitement and engagement remind me that every detail matters, pushing me to approach each project with care, focus, and enthusiasm.

3. How did you develop your confidence?

I developed my confidence and self-esteem through a combination of personal growth, professional experiences, and support from my community.

Initially, building my skills as an artist helped me believe in my abilities. Earning a BFA in Illustration from Cal State Fullerton gave me a strong foundation in my craft, while each project I completed reinforced my belief in what I could achieve. My confidence grew as I saw my hard work translate into tangible results, like published books and opportunities with respected programs like We Need Diverse Books and Scholastic’s Art Mentorship Program.

Another key factor was learning to embrace my unique identity as a Latina artist. Representing underrepresented voices and creating culturally rich illustrations became not just my passion but my purpose. This sense of purpose strengthened my confidence, as I realized my work could inspire and empower others.

Lastly, support from family, friends, mentors, and even the young readers who connect with my books has been invaluable. Their encouragement and belief in me remind me to trust my instincts, take creative risks, and continue growing as both an artist and an individual.

4. Where does your generosity come from?

My generosity as a children’s book illustrator comes from a deep appreciation for the opportunities I’ve been given and a desire to give back to the communities and people who inspire me.

Being a Latina artist, I’m driven by a passion to represent underrepresented voices and create art that reflects the richness of my culture. Knowing that my illustrations can spark imagination, bring joy, or even provide comfort to a child is incredibly fulfilling. I think it also stems from a responsibility to give back to the creative world that has inspired me so much.

At the end of the day, it’s about connecting with others, sharing a piece of myself, and leaving behind stories that matter.

5. How did you overcome imposter syndrome?

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey of self-reflection and persistence. For me, it started with recognizing that those feelings of doubt are a common experience, even for successful creatives. Knowing I wasn’t alone in feeling this way was a relief and helped me begin to see imposter syndrome as something I could manage rather than an inherent flaw.

Celebrating small wins played a big role. Whether it was a compliment from a reader, positive feedback from a mentor, or simply finishing a challenging piece, I made a conscious effort to acknowledge my accomplishments instead of brushing them off. Over time, these moments built my confidence and reminded me of my growth.

I’ve also leaned on my community—fellow illustrators, mentors, and even friends outside of the creative world. Their support and encouragement reminded me that my voice and perspective are valid and unique. Hearing their struggles with similar feelings also helped me reframe my doubts as part of the process rather than evidence of failure.

6. Being the only one in the room: …

I’ve learned to see my background and experiences as assets rather than obstacles. Whether it’s being a Latina artist or someone working to amplify underrepresented voices, I remind myself that my perspective brings something valuable and irreplaceable to the table.

When I focus on the work itself—whether it’s creating a meaningful illustration or contributing ideas to a project—I’m able to channel my energy into what matters most. This helps me move past feelings of isolation and concentrate on what I can control: my effort and my contributions. I also see these moments as opportunities to pave the way for others. Whether it’s through mentoring emerging illustrators or creating work that reflects diverse stories, I know that my presence matters—not just for me, but for those who come after me.

Lastly, I’ve learned to take care of myself emotionally. Being the “only one” can sometimes be draining, so I make space for rest, reflection, and celebrating my progress.

7. Where does your optimism come from?

I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by supportive mentors, peers, and readers who remind me that we are all in this together. The encouragement and shared ideas in the creative community give me confidence that we can overcome challenges and create meaningful work.

I’m optimistic because I see every challenge or setback as an opportunity for growth. Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve realized how much I’ve learned, how far I’ve come, and how much more I have yet to discover. This perspective keeps me energized and excited about the future.

8. How did you find your purpose?

From a young age, I was drawn to art and storytelling. But it took me a while to recognize that these weren’t just hobbies; they were reflections of something deeper—my desire to create connections, share stories, and evoke emotions through visuals. Over time, I realized that my purpose wasn’t just about making art; it was about using that art to make a difference in people’s lives, especially in ways that reflect my own identity.

Over time, I also began seeking feedback from others—mentors, peers, and students. This helped me see the impact of my work on others and gave me the confidence to trust that I was on the right path. Knowing that my illustrations were connecting with people, especially children, reinforced my sense of purpose and fueled my desire to continue.

Finally, I’ve learned that staying true to my values—creativity, inclusion, cultural pride, and empowerment—keeps me aligned with my purpose. I make choices based on these principles, which helps me feel grounded and focused, even when challenges arise.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Gabriela Vega, a children’s book illustrator and bilingual aide from Southern California, with a deep passion for storytelling through art. My work blends my love for illustration with a desire to represent underrepresented voices, especially in the children’s book industry. I create vibrant, engaging artwork that reflects my Latina heritage and strives to create inclusive, joyful narratives for children of all backgrounds.

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to spark imagination and curiosity in children while fostering a love of reading and creativity. I’m especially passionate about illustrating stories that celebrate culture, identity, and belonging, because I believe these are vital messages for children to receive early in life. My illustrations aim to be a source of joy, learning, and representation.

At the moment, I’m working on several exciting projects with Con Todo Press while also pursuing my Master’s degree in education. My ultimate goal is to become an art teacher, where I can share my passion for art and creativity with young students.

As I continue to focus on creating art that inspires and represents diverse stories, I’m looking forward to expanding my portfolio and collaborating with new authors and publishers to create more inclusive books for children. I’m especially focused on supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) through my work, as I believe literature has a powerful role in helping them see themselves in stories and feel valued in their learning journeys.

My brand is built on the idea that art should be a bridge—connecting children to their cultures, to one another, and to a brighter, more inclusive future. The work I do is not just about creating beautiful illustrations but about leaving a lasting impact on young minds, helping them grow in confidence and curiosity.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue sharing my art with the world, working on projects that challenge and inspire, and being a part of a creative community that supports the growth of diverse voices in literature and education.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, a growth mindset, and cultural awareness. Each of these has played a key role in helping me navigate challenges and stay focused on my path as an illustrator and educator.

There were many moments when I faced self-doubt, rejection, or setbacks. Resilience has been essential in pushing through those tough times, learning from mistakes, and continuing to move forward. It’s the ability to bounce back after challenges, to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. For those early in their journey, my advice is to expect challenges but not to see them as roadblocks. Instead, embrace them as opportunities to grow and refine your skills. Resilience is built by facing difficulties head-on and not letting them define your journey. Surround yourself with supportive people who remind you of your strengths during tough moments.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, especially in the beginning. Mistakes are part of the learning process. Seek feedback, be open to constructive criticism, and always look for ways to improve. Embrace challenges as opportunities to stretch yourself and evolve. The more you invest in learning, the more your skills will grow.

Lastly, take time to explore and reflect on your own cultural identity and how it influences your work. At the same time, stay curious and open to learning about other cultures. This awareness can deepen your creative practice and help you connect more meaningfully with your audience. Representation and inclusion are powerful in storytelling, so use your platform to honor and uplift diverse voices.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m always open to new opportunities to collaborate with like-minded creatives, educators, and organizations that share a passion for diversity, inclusion, and storytelling through art. I believe that collaboration is one of the most powerful ways to create meaningful work that can have a lasting impact, especially when it comes to representing underrepresented voices.

I’m particularly interested in partnering with:

Authors and storytellers who are passionate about sharing diverse narratives, especially those that focus on cultural identity, family, and self-expression. I love bringing these stories to life through illustrations that resonate with children and spark their imagination.

Educators and organizations focused on bilingual education, English Language Learners (ELLs), or diversity in the classroom. I’m excited to collaborate on projects that merge art with education, whether it’s through picture books, classroom resources, or educational initiatives.

Publishers and creative teams who are dedicated to producing inclusive literature and bringing diverse voices to the forefront. I’m especially drawn to projects that value authenticity, representation, and creativity.

Fellow artists or creatives who are interested in sharing skills, learning together, and supporting each other’s growth. Whether it’s through mentorship, joint projects, or creative discussions, I love connecting with others who are also passionate about their craft.

If you’re interested in collaborating or simply want to connect, feel free to reach out! You can contact me via email at gabrielavega.art@gmail.com or through social media (Instagram: @gabyyvega_. I’d love to explore how we can work together to create something special that brings diverse stories to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gabrielavegaart.com/
• Instagram: @gabyyvega_