Rafael López (illustrator and artist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rafael López
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| Born | August 8, 1961 |
| Nationality | Mexico/United States |
| Alma mater | ArtCenter College of Design |
| Spouse(s) | Candice López |
| Awards | American Library Association Belpré Medals American Library Association Schneider Family Book Award Society of Illustrators New York Original Art Silver Medal Tomás Rivera Award International Latino Book Awards Jane Addams Children's Book Award Américas Book Awards National Cartoonist Society Book Illustration Award |
Rafael López (born August 8, 1961) is a famous artist and illustrator known around the world. He was born in Mexico City, Mexico. His drawings in children's books feature diverse characters so that all young people can see themselves in stories.
For his amazing work, he has won three Pura Belpré Award medals. This award is given to Latino writers and illustrators who celebrate their culture. He won in 2020 for Dancing Hands, in 2016 for Drum Dream Girl, and in 2010 for Book Fiesta!. He also created the official poster for the National Book Festival for the Library of Congress.
López has also designed thirteen stamps for the United States Postal Service. In 2023, he created a Google Doodle to celebrate Raoul A. Cortez, a pioneer in Latino radio and television. He was even chosen by the Obama/Biden campaign to create posters to encourage Latinos to vote.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Rafael López grew up in Mexico City. His parents were both architects. His home was filled with books from floor to ceiling. He loved visiting the library and looking at art books from different cultures. This early exposure to stories and art shaped his future.
When he was ten, he lived in England with the artist Felipe Ehrenberg. There, he learned to draw, make books, and use a printing press. This experience was very important for him.
In 1982, he moved to the United States to study at the ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles. He earned a degree in Illustration.
Career as an Artist
After college, López moved to San Diego. He turned an old car garage into his home and art studio. He became involved in projects to improve his community with art. He started the Urban Art Trail and painted large murals to make neighborhoods more beautiful.
Later, he decided to focus on illustrating children's books. He wanted to make sure his books included characters from all backgrounds. He has also taught illustration at colleges.
His Unique Art Style
Growing up in Mexico City influenced López's art. He uses bright, bold colors and interesting textures. His style is often described as a mix of graphic design and magical ideas. He is inspired by Mexican art, myths, and the colorful street life he saw as a child.
López often paints on wooden boards that he cuts and sands himself. He uses acrylic paints and scratches textures into the surface. He believes color is a way to show his identity and connect with the emotions of his audience. His illustrations are often called "folk art" because of their unique, handmade quality.
Famous Books He Illustrated
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López has worked with many famous authors and leaders.
In 2022, he illustrated The Little Book of Joy, written by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The book is about how two world leaders found joy even after facing great challenges.
He worked with author Jacqueline Woodson on two bestselling books. The Day You Begin is about having the courage to connect with others. The Year We Learned to Fly is about a brother and sister who use their imagination to overcome problems.
López also illustrated Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You, written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The book is about kids with different abilities working together in a garden. It became a #1 bestseller.
His book Drum Dream Girl tells the true story of a Cuban girl who broke barriers to become a famous drummer. The book won the Pura Belpré medal in 2016. The illustrations were even turned into an animated video that won a major award.
López believes that when children see themselves in books, it encourages them to follow their dreams. He thinks books have the power to create positive change in the world.
Art for Everyone: Posters and Stamps
López creates art that reaches many people, not just in books.
Political Posters
During the 2008 presidential election, he created a poster called Voz Unida (United Voice) for Barack Obama's campaign. It was so popular that he was asked to create another poster, Estamos Unidos (We Are United), for the 2012 re-election campaign.
Postal Stamps
López has designed thirteen stamps for the U.S. Postal Service. In 2022, he created a series of five stamps celebrating Mariachi music. He has also designed stamps honoring Latin music legends like Celia Cruz and Tito Puente.
Community Murals
López loves bringing art to public spaces where everyone can enjoy it. In 1997, he started the Urban Art Trail project in San Diego. He and the community painted colorful murals to brighten up the neighborhood. This project inspired the children's book Maybe Something Beautiful.
He believes murals can bring people together. He has developed a "paint-by-numbers" style for his murals. This allows people of all ages and skill levels to help create the artwork. He has led mural projects in cities across the United States, from Chicago to Seattle.
Personal Life
Rafael López lives in San Diego, California, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He is married to Candice López, who is also an art professor. They have a son named Santiago.
A Selection of His Illustrated Books
- The Little Book of Joy (2022) written by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
- The Year We Learned to Fly (2022) written by Jacqueline Woodson
- Just Ask!: Be Brave, Be Different, Be You (2019) written by Sonia Sotomayor
- Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln (2019) written by Margarita Engle
- The Day You Begin (2018) written by Jacqueline Woodson
- Maybe Something Beautiful (2017) written by F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell
- Drum Dream Girl (2016) written by Margarita Engle
- Book Fiesta! (2010) written by Pat Mora
- My Name is Celia, Me Llamo Celia (2004) written by Monica Brown
