Jhunny Moralde is a children’s book illustrator from the Philippines. His fun artworks have made a lot of BookBildr authors smile and helped bring out the unique personalities of the characters. Here, we’re going to share with you Jhunny’s answers to our questions.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m Jhunny Moralde, an ordinary guy from the Philippines who has a dream of becoming a successful artist. I’m a self-taught digital and traditional illustrator with almost 10 years of experience. Art has always been my passion, ever since I was a kid. I believe that art can make the world a more beautiful and meaningful place. One of the things I do as an artist is children’s book illustration. I have worked with different authors and adapted to different styles to create engaging and colorful illustrations for young readers.

Jhunny is available for commissions. Click here to view his portfolio and get a quote!

What made you become a children’s book illustrator?

I started my career as a children’s book illustrator when one of my teacher friends asked me to illustrate her story. I enjoyed the experience and decided to pursue it further. I found clients from other countries who appreciated my work and hired me for their projects.

What were the challenges of illustrating your very first book for children?

The biggest challenge for my first project was the tight deadline. I had to submit it the next day and I did it traditionally. However, I managed to complete it on time and that’s the turning point of my career on children’s books.

In your opinion, what’s the hardest part of illustrating children’s books?

The hardest part of illustrating children’s books is showing the emotions and personalities of the characters. I have to make them relatable and match the text. It can be hard to balance these aspects and create appealing illustrations for children, but with the help of collaboration with the writer, I managed to express the emotions needed for each illustration.

What’s your advice for children’s book authors who are looking for an illustrator?

My advice for children’s book authors who are looking for an illustrator is to do some research and find an illustrator who has a style that suits their vision and genre. They should also communicate clearly and respectfully with the illustrator and give them some creative freedom and feedback. They should also agree on the budget, timeline, and expectations before starting the project. Working with an illustrator can be a rewarding and fun experience if both parties are on the same page and respect each other’s work.

Any advice for people who want to write for children but don’t know how to start?

My advice to people who want to write for children but don’t know how to start is to read a lot of children’s books and learn from them. They should also think about what kind of stories they want to tell and who their target audience is. They should also write from their heart and imagination and not be afraid to be creative and original. They should also get feedback from other writers, editors, or children and revise their work until they are satisfied.

Do you see any gaps in the children’s book choices in bookstores?

I am not yet a parent but If I were a parent, I would notice some gaps in the children’s book choices in bookstores. For instance, I would appreciate more books that feature diverse and inclusive characters, stories that teach social and emotional skills, and books that inspire curiosity and creativity.