Adua Hernandez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Adua, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Most mornings start with my husband, our dachshund Velma, and me all cuddled up in bed, pretending the world can wait just a little longer. Eventually, I check my phone in case something urgent popped up overnight, then head to the kitchen to make breakfast. Velma gets her scrambled egg yolk, and I use the leftover egg white for my omelette. It’s our little routine. I kiss my husband goodbye as he heads out early for work. He’s a teacher, so his day starts before mine.
While I eat, I usually watch an episode of Golden Girls or Buffy, depending on what kind of morning I’m in the mood for. Then Velma and I go for a walk, and once we’re back, I get ready and drive to the office. Some days I drop her off at doggy daycare where she strolls in like royalty. On the drive, I often sing to myself just to make the ride more interesting. It’s the perfect time to belt it out without worrying if anyone’s listening.
Once I get to Gemmy, I say hi to my coworkers and get right to work. I spend most of the day drawing, whether it’s handling art requests or creating whatever is needed. At noon, I usually join a few coworkers for a quick workout, then it’s back to my desk for more drawing.
When I get home, Neil usually has something delicious planned for dinner. We eat, watch a show, laugh a lot, and take Velma out for another walk. If I have a little creative energy left, I’ll spend an hour or two working on personal projects, usually children’s books. Then it’s time to sleep and get ready to do it all again.
So really, I draw all day, walk the dog, and keep things running on omelettes, teamwork, and a good soundtrack.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Adua, an illustrator and product designer with a background in children’s books. I’ve illustrated over 50 titles, including Elmo’s Daddy Day and Elmo’s Mommy Day for Sesame Street, as well as Jubilee’s Surprise and The Wishing Well. For several years, children’s publishing was my main focus. These days, I work full-time at Gemmy Industries, where I design fun and imaginative products for the home and holidays.
I enjoy sharing my latest finds and creative projects, so if you’re curious about what I’ve been working on, I’d love for you to follow along.
At the moment, I’m taking on freelance projects selectively. For professional inquiries, please reach out to my agent, Gary, at Lemonade Illustration Agency:
Represented by Lemonade Illustration Agency
gary@lemonadeillustration.com
O: +44 (0) 7891 390750
I also started a small business with my husband called Illustrated Prose, which offers a range of audiovisual services. One of our favorite projects is Imamagnet.com, where you can upload your photos and we turn them into fridge magnets. We deliver locally in the DFW area and are available for events. If you catch us in person, you’ll have your magnet in just five minutes.
To get in touch about magnets, email us at imamagnet.com@gmail.com.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I have to say Louie T McClain II, the owner of Melanin Origins, gave me a fantastic opportunity to work as an illustrator for his company. Before meeting him, I was just figuring out how to post on Instagram every day, kind of like throwing art into the internet void and hoping someone noticed. I had a degree in illustration and knew the theory, but honestly, I never imagined this could turn into a real career or pay the bills.
Thanks to Louie, I now have the life I always dreamed of. I have a loving husband, a sweet dog, and the best part is that I get to draw all day long. Along the way, I have met some truly wonderful people. We are not collaborating right now, but Louie definitely helped me see what I am capable of and believe in myself.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I was an only child until I was nine so I grew up in a bit of a lonely world. I didn’t have many friends and since my parents worked full time, I spent a lot of time after school with my grandmother. I tried to play with the neighborhood kids but the key word there is “tried” because I was probably better at making imaginary friends than real ones.
I read a lot, from Harry Potter to classics like Treasure Island, The Three Musketeers, Peter Pan, and Moby Dick. Cartoons were my go-to escape and I loved to drawing and paint. It felt like having my own secret magical world that I could visit whenever I wanted.
Painting and drawing have always been my way to sort through my feelings and find a little peace. Even now it is how I figure out how to make things better one brushstroke at a time.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
An important truth that very few people seem to agree with me on is that socks and sandals are a definite NOPE with capital letters. I know it’s not a popular opinion, but it just doesn’t sit right with me. Some say comfort matters most, but I believe style deserves consideration as well.
Over time, I’ve learned that most things are more nuanced than they seem. It’s okay to disagree and still respect each other’s choices. While I may always take a strong stance on questionable footwear, I stay open-minded in the ways that matter.
In the illustration world, there’s a belief that doing commercial work or accepting client feedback means you’ve sold out. I believe the opposite. Making a living through your art is something to be proud of. Collaboration is not weakness: it’s part of the creative process. When we listen, adapt, and still bring our vision to the table, we can create work that is both meaningful and professional.
At the end of the day, if the art speaks, if the job gets done with care, and someone sees themselves in what you made, then it was worth it.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
More than anything, I hope my work helps people feel seen, not just children, but everyone. I want my illustrations to do more than entertain. I want them to help kids feel understood, reflected, and valued.
I hope people remember me as someone kind. Someone who loved what she did, who admired other creatives deeply, and who never stopped learning or encouraging others to keep going. I believe in resilience. If you find something you love, and you practice every day and keep trying, you can push through almost anything. No matter how hard, sad, or stressful life gets, we all have the power to create good things. I hope I brought a little bit of that magic into other people’s lives.
I also hope it’s clear how much I love my husband. Building a life and creative journey with him has been one of my greatest joys.
And yes, I really did love dachshunds.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aduahernandez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aduahc/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adua-hernandez-carnelutti-28a266b0/
- Other: For illustration inquiries:
Represented by Lemonade Illustration Agency
Gary: gary@lemonadeillustration.com
Phone: +44 (0) 7891 390750For custom magnets:
imamagnet.com
Email: imamagnet.com@gmail.com
Image Credits
Photos taken by Neil James: the one where I’m wearing the pink skirt
Photos taken by Fiona Chang: the one of me and Neil (I’m in a blue dress with flowers, and there are artworks in the background)
