Fernando Juarez — Spanish Children's Book Illustrator, Madrid

Cottages in the woods, crazy circus rings, trains chugging through the mountains – Spanish children’s illustrator Fernando Juarez crafts expertly realised storybook scenes, and then there are his character design skills, which are equally impressive. As well as children’s publishing and advertising briefs, he loves tackling commissions from any sector.

In addition to his atmospheric children’s book illustrations, Fernando is art supervisor at the Madrid studio Ilion Animation where he works with a team of CGI experts. The company produces 3D feature films for children, including the successful Planet 51. Fernando studied graphic design and illustration at Ramon Falcon Art School in Lugo, Spain.

Approach

Fernando draws with a pencil, establishing a raw composition, which is then scanned and digitally painted in Photoshop.

Key Software

Photoshop

Style

Comical characters with bandy little arms and legs, and huge expressive faces, are often found in Fernando’s work. He likes to use the backgrounds and lighting to establish some realism and atmosphere, but goes for an all-out cartoon style when it comes to the characters and the action.

Client list

Fernando has been commissioned by clients including Faber & Faber, Penguin Random House, Running Press, Carlton Books, Innovative KIDS, M&C Saatchi and Oxford University Press.

Polar bear relaxing on a rocky shore with fish swimming nearby by Fernando Juarez