Short story 30 – Nala wished she’d never told her friends about the insect serum. She wanted to go home, to the car show, the movies, anyplace but here. Their clubhouse was supposed to be a special. But the bees found them. Usually the antidote worked to calm them down and Stewey tried. But not today. Maybe, just maybe Rez and Xotchi could stop them with the golden sceptres.
What’s this? Peace everyone, I started making short stories over a decade ago as a way to study picture books specifically and storytelling more broadly. Theseshorts are a way for me to practice and to build one brick at a time.
Dig this? Check otu some of my previous short stories made with colored pencil such as Welcome and First Protest.
Ok, here’s Storytime Print #6. This is based on a photo of my son when he was a tween reading graphic novels for hours, getting all the way into them, and inspiring of love of them in me too. If you’d like to get a copy of this print for your classroom, library, reading nook, or office.
If it weren’t for the decision I made to make a plan to self publish my first children’s books in 2013, I’d still be waiting for the industry to invite me to write, illustrate, speak, collaborate. Don’t wait for anyone to send you your dream project, make that shit happen. Shout out to Ava DuVernay. The first film I saw from her was about The Good Life Cafe, Project Blowed, etc.
A page from my 2023 sketchbook. Scroll to the bottom to see the tour.
What’s this? This is a chance for me to share some sketches from my process. I share process art a lot with different projects but sometimes I just love looking back at the sketches I made before painting some of my personal or client work. Sometimes the sketches are better than the final! Something about the energy in them. Anyone, check them out and let me know which you like.
If youre in the Alameda area I welcome you to come hear me talk about art, books, career, and making it in kidlit. If youre in Alameda, come check me out and ask questions!
Storytime Print 5 – Eyy its been about 6 or 7 years since I started making these “storytime prints” first for fun, then more and more because those who love and learn with children asked for more. This is a portrait of me and my daughter so its special:) I hope it means something to you wherever you are and wherever your reading nook is. Be it in the classroom, an office, a library, or your home.
Here’s a quote that I heard in an interview w/ educator and historian Erica Buddington. She was quoting one of her teachers but I found these words through her so I put her name and attributed it to her teacher Mr. Bowman. Handwriting by me.
What this means to me, sometimes you have to pop out, step out, or step out of what is conventional thinking. Do you research, homework, due diligence, etc. But if you know what everyone else is saying or doing goes against your moral compass, push back with integrity and openness to learn.
Ey, this is a book bundle you can purchase from my shop. At any given time I may have some or all of the books I’ve worked on as an illustrator or author. Right now, I’ve got 6. Wanna send this bundle to a friend?
I don’t want the most lethal fighting force in the world– I want to universal health care. That is: tooth ache, eyes checked, check ups whenever needed, emergency services, mental health care, disease treatment, etc.
US politicians can send billions to a genocidal regime, but my fam gotta do a gofund me if they get sick?
Hey, these are three characters from the 90s film Mi Vida Loca directed by Allison Anders. The three characters depicted here are Whisper, Mousie, and Sad Girl. I thought about drawing Ernesto too, but really wanted to honor the themes of female empowerment and friendship from the film. Whats your favorite line from the film?
Couldn’t find the original trailer, but this was a short behind the scenes.
On the film: The year was 1993 and writer/director Allison Anders film had just released. I was staying with my Dad in Hayward Ca (Bay Area) and we went to the movies to see it. Being that there were so few portrayals of young Latin@ people, families, or communities I was super juiced to see the film! It reminded me of Chicanos in Berkeley at the time. I remember loving it and arguing with my Dad who is from LA and did not love it. He argued that it was a stereotypical gang life portrayal of Chicanos in Echo Park. But, I felt it was a loving portrait that showed pain, love, sorrow, relationships, and triumph. 30 years later I belive the film still stands up and the messages about sisterhood, female empowerment, the dangers of tribal warfare (gangs), machismo, and even class still ring true. Have you seen it? Check out the individual characters below for more info.
About me: My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I’m a mixed kid-Black, Korean, Mexican, and Apache. And I’m an author/artist from the Bay Area. My most recent book is “Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco”. Nice to meet you.
