About

“Nurture wonder, preserve beauty, and tell stories that speak to the heart– especially the hearts of children.”

I love world-building and breathing life into whimsical, emotionally resonant characters —whether human, animal, mythical, or wildly imagined. My passion lies in elevating everyday moments into something magical and meaningful. After two decades in the animation industry, I charted a new course back into traditional illustration–where I originally earned my BFA– with a renewed focus on the children’s book world. My work is primarily crafted in watercolor, Prismacolor pencil, and ink, resulting in vibrant, hand-painted pieces full of texture and heart. I believe picture books offer children safe, imaginative spaces to explore, escape, and discover — and I love being a part of building those worlds.”

Andrea Yomtob, Picture Book Illustrator

I am a published picture book Illustrator in Los Angeles, CA.

I graduated Art Center College of Design, cum laude, in Illustration. I had a 20-year career as a 2d/3d animator, primarily at Nickelodeon Studios and Film Roman, where I contributed to many Emmy-nominated shows. (i.e., Dora The Explorer, SpongeBob Squarepants, King Of The Hill, The Simpsons, etc.)

I was a Finalist in the #PBParty Illustration Showcase in 2025, 2024 & 2023. In 2021, I won the SCBWI LA #KTIllustrates Award.  I’m an active member of SCBWI, 12×12, and two critique groups.

I take pride in meeting deadlines, communicating clearly, and uncovering creative treasures through collaboration and iterative revision. I am actively pursuing picture book illustration opportunities with publishers and editors who share a passion for storytelling and visual artistry.

If you’d like to see my original written and illustrated DUMMIES, please email me at [email protected] to request the passwords.

Want to Know More?:

  • I’m a mum of two (ages 5&8), wife, and garden enthusiast with a love for cheesecake, history, early mornings, and a set-in-his-ways 12-year-old bunny.
  • I studied for 25 years with Fine Artist Nicaraguan painter & poet, Omar d’Leon. My oil & wax paintings, LA Times interview, etc. are on my other website HERE.
  • I love writing picture books too! I have a one-on-one writing mentorship with a published author/illustrator, have taken courses at Storyteller Academy, and am active on 12×12.
  • I love history, but I did not always feel that way. Watching British Archaeology shows and the ordinary lives of historical figures (ie. Egyptian, Roman, British Monarchy, Vikings, etc.) is a favorite pastime.
  • I love slowing down to watch nature’s small moments. So, it’s no surprise I love gardening!
  • I’m inspired by small acts of kindness, my children, happy accidents, how things work, genealogy, where things come from, symbolism among various cultures, and lesser-known facts.

Books on my nightstand:

  • Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire
  • Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul
  • Pete The Cat (Readers) and Bob Books (my 5-year-old loves these books and is learning to read)
  • Harry By The Sea by Gene Zion, illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham, 1965
  • Celia Planted A Garden by Phyllis Root and Gary Schmidt, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, 2022

Current Favorites:

  • Can You Imagine?: The Art and Life of Yoko Ono by Lisa Tolin, illustrated by Yas Imamura, 2025
  • Stuck!: The Story Of The La Brea Tar Pits by Joyce Uglow, illustrated by Valerya Milovanova, 2025
  • The Bee Without Wings by Amberlea Williams, 2023

Memorable Childhood Favorites:

  • Princess & The Pea by Hans Christian Andersen, Adapted and Illustrated by Janet Stevens, 1982
  • The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, 1964
  • Little Bear by Maurice Sendak, 1957
  • Where The Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein (especially the poem How To Eat A Whale), 1974
  • The Knight And The Dragon by Tomie dePaola, 1980

NOTABLES

EDUCATION

AFFILIATIONS

  • SCBWI Member: Ten Years +

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

  • 25-Year Oil Painting Mentorship with Nicaraguan Poet and Painter Omar d’León. You can see my Fine Artwork HERE.
  • LACMA , Los Angeles County Museum of Art Docent for ages K-12 , (2007 – 2013)

PROFICIENT IN

  • Traditional Painting Techniques (Acrylic, Oil & Wax, Watercolor)
  • Drawing
  • Photoshop
  • InDesign
  • Many others…