Isa Sonntag — Children's Book Illustrator, Brazil

Charming, bubbly little characters, full of joy – and maybe a hint of mischief – give Isa Sonntag’s illustrations instant appeal. There’s something to learn, something new to discover, whenever a child opens one of her picture books. Turn the page and each image is filled with life, colour and small details that only add to the experience.

Based in Curitiba, Isa has developed a unique style which has attracted publishers across Brazil – both in children’s books and educational publishing. Working with her is a very clear process with great communication and clients love the creativity she brings to each brief. Though Isa trained in architecture, her passion has always been to draw. Her love of nature and the outdoors infuses her images via soft, organic colour palettes and in thousands of details throughout her imagery. One of her biggest influences is Studio Ghibli, along with illustrators including Anoosha Syed, David Sierra, Geneviève Godbout, Denis Angelov and Rebecca Green

Approach

Whether it’s with a sketchbook or in Procreate, Isa begins by focusing on the composition and the narrative message of the artwork. Where does the feeling drive the image? When a composition takes shape, she blocks in the colours and develops the illustration to completion by adding detail and texture, finalising the piece in Photoshop.

Key software

Procreate, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign

Style

Isa’s style has a cartoon-like feel, with a sense of softness and playfulness. Her use or lack of outlines, attention to detail and application of interesting textures gives her work a unique character all of its own.