When everything written about Ojos Grandes was just a memory stored away in a drawer, I did the drawings myself. Each stroke was a way of bringing the stories back to life, of giving them color and life before anyone else discovered them.
When I decided to publish my stories, a new phase began: the search for illustrators who could connect with my stories in the same way that I did. It was a long journey, full of wonderful encounters with people from different parts of the world: Colombia, Venezuela, Spain, Italy... each with their own unique style and sensibility.
The creative process with illustrators
The process was simple, but magical:
- I sent them parts of the manuscript.
- They gave me back a sketch.
- Through their drawings, I could tell if they had understood and connected with the story.
Sometimes there were so many illustrators that it was difficult for me to choose. For my first story, I even resorted to flipping a coin: heads or tails to decide between three artists. So, between chance and emotion, the collaborators who would bring the worlds of Ojos Grandes to life were selected.
The arrival of artificial intelligence
Today, technology offers new possibilities. I have experimented with AI to illustrate short stories, and although it is surprising, it is not the same as working with a person who brings soul, color, and emotion to each drawing. The interaction, conversation, and unique vision of a human illustrator remain irreplaceable.
Each illustration in Ojos Grandes carries with it a little piece of the connection between the story and the person interpreting it. It is this collaboration that brings the pages to life, capturing children's imaginations and senses.
Your turn: connect with your creativity
Would you like to try bringing your stories to life too? Here are some ideas:
Draw your version of Tika or your favorite character.
Share your drawing in the blog comments or on social media.
Imagine what it would be like to collaborate with an illustrator who transforms your ideas into art.
Every drawing, every stroke, and every color is a way to keep the magic of Ojos Grandes alive. Your creativity can also be part of this world!