Today we’d like to introduce you to John Parra.
Hi John, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The one constant in my life since I was a child has been creating art. No matter what age I’ve been, I have always loved drawing and being creative. In school, I was known as “The Artist.” I was influenced by landscapes, people, movies, cartoons, animals, and family. My dad was also an artist, drawing for my brothers and I when we were kids. As I got older, I continued to take art classes but didn’t consider making art a career. When I entered Jr. College, my art professor encouraged me to consider following a path in art and to apply to art schools. With this and family support, I entered Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. I then graduated and went on to work as a professional illustrator and fine artist with style based around my Hispanic roots. As I continue to create art, I think back and am thankful for all the people and opportunities that helped guide me along the way. I followed my heart and worked hard to develop my craft, and proud to share and speak with others to encourage them with their potential and aspirations in doing art as well.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I started out professionally more than twenty-five years ago, a diverse representation of illustration in the media wasn’t that strong. Many editors and art directors weren’t exactly sure what to make of my mostly Latino-inspired work. I also was learning to become a better illustrator and needed to work hard to become the best I could. There were other elements that I needed to learn, such as the business side of the work. In the end, I knew I had to make this art career a part of my life’s journey and push on through any challenges.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m best known for my illustrated children’s picture books. It all started around 2004 when an editor and art director at the publishing company, Luna Rising, saw my illustration work and contacted me to ask if I’d be interested in doing a book. Though I had not done a children’s book before much of my work already used themes of family, childhood, and Latino culture, plus my bright color pallet made it a good match for doing a children’s book, so I decided to accept. The first book was called My Name is Gabriela/ Me llamo Gabriela, written by Monica Brown, that tells the story of Gabriela Mistral, a famous poet from Chile, who was the first Latina woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. Looking back, it was really a watershed project, as I now just finished my 14th children’s book, Spanish is the Language of My Family, by author Michael Genhart, due out this year. I’m proud to represent diversity and learning in my work, reaching students, teachers, and parents in a positive way.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
So many people have contributed to my development to have a career in art. Starting with my parents. My dad loved to draw and inspired me greatly. My mom loved books and always shared stories with our family. I had many wonderful teachers who also saw my talents and encouraged me, including Frank Sardisco, Larry Carroll, Salmon Huerta, and Sandy Tellefson. Every school or literary presentation I do today I make sure to share a slide with their pictures to honor their assistance and time in giving me and others a life path of creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://johnparraart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnparraart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnParraArt/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnparraart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jparra13/featured
Image Credits
John Parra
