About:

Julissa Mora is Cuban American, born and raised in Miami. Although she does not live there anymore, she loves going back to visit family and eat lots of Cuban food. It was her Abuelito, Virgilio, that first introduced her to illustration. During their Sunday get-togethers he would share his childhood stories and then draw them on a napkin. It was like magic! She knew then that she wanted to be an artist.

Lately, storytelling has turned into a newfound passion. She aspires to weave her childhood memories with the experiences she’s creating with her daughter, and craft them into stories she can share with the world. She currently resides in Austin, Texas with her spunky daughter, sweet dog, and supportive husband.

Julissa’s depute author-illustrated book,  Baking With Mi Abuelita, was named by Bank Street as The Best Children’s Books of the Year. Her second author-illustrated book, My Cousin, the Quinceañera is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. To see more book and artwork created by Julissa, please visit www.julissamora.com.

She earned her degree in Illustration from Ringling College of Art and Design.

More about Julissa:
She lived in Manhattan and Brooklyn for six years, during which time she had her daughter. Her love for the city and its rich blend of cultures still holds a special place in her heart. Julissa has also traveled to Cuba, her mother’s homeland, and hopes to one day share that experience in a book.

Girllustrators in Austin
Julissa is also a member of The Girllustrators, a group of local women illustrators in Austin. Their monthly meetings have inspired her to write and helped her become more confident in developing and sharing her ideas. She feels very grateful to be part of such a supportive and creative community.

Selected Client List

American Girl, American Greetings, BabyBug Magazine, Capstone Publishing, Cricket Magazine, Curriculum Associates, Dove, Duopress, Highlights for Children, McGraw Hill, Oxford University Press, Peaceable Kingdom, Penguin Random House, Scholastic, Slugger Creative, Target