About

ILLUSTRATOR/EMERGING AUTHOR

FOR PICTURE BOOKS

“Nurture wonder, preserve beauty, and tell stories that speak to the heart.”

Andrea Yomtob is a California-based illustrator whose hand-painted work blends watercolor, Prisma, and ink on custom textured board. A graduate of Art Center College of Design, where she earned her BFA in Illustration cum laude, she went on to spend two decades in animation, contributing to numerous Emmy‑nominated productions. Her art is infused with storytelling, whimsy, and a sense of movement, inviting children into bright, imaginative worlds where they can explore, play, and discover.

ANIMATION CREDITS
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Tear Sheet (PDF)

After two decades in the animation industry, I returned to my traditional illustration roots with a renewed focus on hand painting children’s books. I love world-building and breathing life into whimsical, emotionally resonant characters. My illustrations are crafted in watercolor, Prisma, and ink –brimming with texture.

As a mom of two, I’ve seen firsthand how small, consistent moments—like reading together —can spark a lifelong love of stories and supports early education in all subjects. That belief in early literacy, growth mindset, and joyful learning inspires everything I create.

Andrea Yomtob, Illustrator / emerging author

EMERGING AUTHOR YOU SAY?

Diving into the craft of writing picture books has greatly informed and enhanced my visual storytelling, not to mention it’s so much fun! I started taking PB writing classes at Storyteller Academy in 2020 and have continued my growth through one-on-one mentorships with published authors/illustrators. I have DUMMIES available to review. Please email me at [email protected] to request the password for access.

SHORT BIO

I’m a picture book Illustrator and emerging author 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 computer 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.) in pre and post-production.

ANIMATION CREDITS

I was a Finalist in the #PBParty Illustration Showcase in 2025, 2024 & 2023. In 2021, I won the SCBWI LA #KTIllustrates Award.  I have a one-on-one mentorship with an author/illustrator and am an active member of SCBWI, 12×12, and multiple critique groups.

I’d love to discuss illustrating your next picture book, early reader, or board book!

ANIMATION CREDITS
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CV

AWARDS

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…

PUBLISHING COLLABORATIONS

MY STUDIO

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 since 2020, and 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.

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

Let’s connect! [email protected]