Joanna is an LA based artist who fell in love with the whimsy and beauty of children’s books at a young age. Some things stick with you, which is why she is now a full-time children’s book author and illustrator whose published picture book illustrations include My Love, God is Everywhere (Tommy Nelson, 2023), My Guncle and Me (Running Press Kids, 2024) and My Love Keep, Keep Your Wonder (Penguin Random House, Coming 2027). She loves spending time with her husband and three imaginative children and hopes their love for scribbling never grows out of them.

Her work blends traditional illustration technique with modern storytelling, leaning heavily on expressive characters and whimsical use of color.

Interested in working together? Please email all requests here.

Hello there!

FAQs

  • I am a traditional artist at heart, working primarily with ink, watercolor, gouache, and pencil. Growing up admiring the classics, my work embraces beauty and whimsy. Color often acts as a character of its own, inviting readers into spaces that feel both familiar and magical. Whether illustrating moments of wonder, humor, or heartfelt connection, my goal is to create art that lingers long after the page is turned.

  • I am both a digital and traditional artist. With a background in fine art, I use classic techniques and strong fundamentals to inform my art. I’ve learned to lean on my traditional fine art skills in a digital world and will select the final medium depending on the project.

  • Unfortunately, I am not on taking any self-published projects. If you are interested in collaborating on a potential published work, email me at joannamcarillo@gmail.com

  • Thank you for wanting to support my art! Sadly, I am not taking commissions at this time.