Drawn from Life

with Juana Martinez-Neal

Let real life inspire your picture books!

In this dynamic, in-depth webinar, Juana Martinez-Neal discusses her books, and shares how she draws inspiration from life to create compelling characters and stories. Join us for a behind-the-scenes journey through Juana's art and stories as she reveals the intention behind her illustration and text choices.

"One of the best webinars!! Love seeing the process and your beautiful illustrations!!"

- Gabrielle Slivoski


Your Instructor


Juana Martinez-Neal
Juana Martinez-Neal

Juana Martinez-Neal is the recipient of the 2019 Caldecott Honor for Alma and How She Got Her Name (Candlewick Press), her debut picture book as author-illustrator. She also the recipient of the 2020 Robert F. Sibert Medal for Fry Bread: A Native American Story (Roaring Brook) and the 2018 Pura Belpré Medal for Illustration for La Princesa and the Pea (Putnam)

Juana was named to the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honor list in 2014, and was awarded the SCBWI Portfolio Showcase Grand Prize in 2012. She was born in Lima, the capital of Peru, and now lives in Connecticut, with her husband and three children.


Course Curriculum



Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

"Thank you, Juana, you are an amazing inspiration! You’ve refilled my well."

- Nadine Takvorian


"This was truly one of the best webinars I’ve seen—I love how her stories and art process developed together. Thank you!"

- Laura

Get started now!