Today we’d like to introduce you to María Tuti.
Hi María, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For as long as I can remember, drawing has been a part of me. I was that little girl who always carried a notebook and pencil everywhere, imagining worlds and characters between the pages. Over time, my interests in art, design, and illustration naturally led me to study something related to visual art. That’s how I pursued a degree in Graphic Design and, later, specialized in conceptual illustration.
My first jobs as an illustrator came almost unbidden. I began sharing my work regularly on Instagram, simply for the pleasure of doing so, and that’s where my first job opportunities arose. Back then, I never imagined that illustration could become my formal job, much less that something I enjoy so much could also be my livelihood.
My journey in editorial illustration has been full of surprises. I am deeply grateful to God for everything this career has given me. If anything has sustained this path, it has been the love for what I do… and a lot of perseverance.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been an easy road. But I firmly believe that anything truly worthwhile comes at a price. Sometimes the price is emotional, other times financial or physical… and sometimes, all at once. Still, it has been a deeply satisfying journey.
The greatest difficulty I’ve faced wasn’t technical or creative, but a belief planted very early on: “You can’t make a living from art.” I’ve heard that phrase more times than I can count, and at some point, I came to believe it. Breaking away from that idea, from the prejudices and fears that come with it, was a personal battle. But I wasn’t alone.
God has placed a beautiful circle of support in my life. My husband, who has always been my biggest fan, has encouraged me to keep going, even in the most uncertain times. And my children, who are my daily inspiration, remind me why it’s worth continuing to create.
No, it hasn’t been easy. But if I had to start over, I would do it without hesitation.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I dedicate myself to children’s editorial illustration: I write and illustrate stories for girls and boys. This creative path has led me to expand beyond paper and pencil. Today, I also consider myself a cultural promoter for the children of Sinaloa, the state where I live, a beautiful place that also faces great challenges. I wholeheartedly believe that inspiring art in children is one of the most powerful ways we have to build a more just, more sensitive, and brighter future.
In addition to my work as an illustrator, I have formed a close community with other editorial illustrators, with whom I share what I have learned in this craft, both technically and emotionally. I deeply love what I do, and I know how difficult it has been to learn it. Therefore, I hope that for those who come after me, this path will be more accessible and more supportive.
I teach courses, generate free educational content, and create training spaces where illustrators can feel guided and supported. Maybe that’s what sets me apart: not just creating images that accompany stories, but building community around art and childhood.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me in life is my family. Motherhood has been one of the greatest challenges, but also the starting point of my career as a children’s illustrator. It all began in 2017, when my daughter was born. I began illustrating for her: to explain the world to her, to tell her how much I love her, to teach her to read, to encourage her when she needed it. Without realizing it, in that process I discovered a visual language that not only connected me with her, but over time, also allowed me to share it with other mothers and their little ones.
My family means everything to me. My husband is my best friend, always there, always encouraging me. My children are my driving force, my daily source of inspiration. As long as I have them, I know I have everything I need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mariatuti.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariatutiart/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mariatuti
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariatutiart
