Illustrator Spotlight: Teresa Martínez
Three Troupe 21 members are authors and illustrators - Anne Appert, Leah Hong and Neesha Hudson. You’ve seen their incredible art on our website and social accounts, including this graphic for new picture book SING WITH ME: THE STORY OF SELENA QUINTANILLA!
We also want to introduce you to the illustrators of the books by our other Troupe authors, through our Illustrator Spotlight feature!
This week, we’re featuring Teresa Martínez, illustrator of SING WITH ME: THE STORY OF SELENA QUINTANILLA, the debut picture book of Troupe member Diana López (Dial), which published July 20, 2021.
Teresa Martínez, also known as "Teresa Mtz," is a freelancer illustrator, whose clients include SM (editorial), Alfaguara (editorial), Pearson Publishing (editorial), Televisa (Tv), Muy Interesante Junior (Magazine), Edebé (Editorial), Norma (editorial), Volcan (Agency), and Random House (editorial).
Want to know more about Teresa and how she approached illustrating SING WITH ME: THE STORY OF SELENA QUINTANILLA? You’re in luck! Teresa has stopped by the Troupe Tales blog for an interview to share exactly that. Before you dance down to the interview below, give a big round of applause to fantastic illustrator Teresa Martínez!
Illustrator Spotlight
TERESA MARTÍNEZ
What drew you to this manuscript?
Selena is a big figure for people of my generation, she was part of my youth as she had an important influence in the culture. So this script attracted me in the sense that I wanted to be part of a book that aims at a younger generation showing an important and powerful female role model.
What qualities of character and/or concept did you want to convey in the cover?
I wanted to represent her joyful essence, and used her most representative elements: white roses, the color purple, and her big smile.
What about the story did you most enjoy/was your favorite to illustrate?
I liked many things in the story but felt very attracted to the way she looked throughout the ages, I had many photo references and took note of her clothing and hairstyles.
Do you have a favorite spread or illustration?
I think my favorite is that one where she dances happily among some of her most iconic wardrobe designs and her lyrics float in the background.
What was the process like for illustrating this book? What medium did you use to create the illustrations?
First I do a pencil and paper storyboard and the rest is mostly done digitally. I use a Cintiq tablet and Adobe Photoshop.
Have you illustrated other books we should check out?
Yes, some titles are: It’s Not a Bed It’s a Time Machine (Imprint McMillan), The Halloween Tree (Sourcebooks), Mario and the Hole in the Sky (Charlesbridge), The Wizard of Oz (Starry Forest).
Where can we find your work?
They can find me on Instagram by @teresamtzjun or visit my portfolio on Behance at www.behance.net/teresamtz.
And, of course, check out SING WITH ME: THE STORY OF SELENA QUINTANILLA! Get your copy today through one of the following retailers:
Get to know Troupe member and SING WITH ME: THE STORY OF SELENA QUINTANILLA author Diana López!
Website: www.dianalopezbooks.com
Twitter: @dianalopezbooks
Instagram: @dianalopezbooks
