Hello!
My name is Alejandra, though online I go by Matiba. I’m a Colombian graphic designer and illustrator with a focus on visual storytelling for children’s audiences.
My name is Alejandra, though online I go by Matiba. I’m a Colombian graphic designer and illustrator with a focus on visual storytelling for children’s audiences.
My love for drawing began when I discovered Alice in Wonderland, illustrated by Mary Blair. I was only eight years old, but that book opened a world that has never left me. Movies like Mulan and 101 Dalmatians, as well as the magical universes of Studio Ghibli and anime classics such as Akira, Spirited Away, and Your Name, deepened my fascination for stories and characters, and inspired me to start sketching my own.
Alongside film, books have always been at the center of my inspiration. I collect illustrated books and picture books, finding joy in the way simple stories for children can feel so universal. Graphic novels like Persepolis and Maus also shaped my love for powerful visual narratives. I am especially drawn to stories that highlight cultural heritage and women’s voices, which deeply resonate with me as both an artist and a reader.
Beyond books, I find inspiration in art and everyday life—museums, galleries, and small moments shared with family and friends. These experiences fuel my creative philosophy: to embrace life’s details, experiment freely, and let curiosity guide my work.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to work across different media, which has taught me how to adapt and bring projects to life in unique and dynamic ways. At the heart of it all, my passion remains the same: creating illustrations and designs that bring stories to life, especially for young readers.
Feel free to say hello—I’d love to connect and collaborate.
Matiba.ilu@gmail.com
Matiba.ilu@gmail.com
Recognitions:
SCAD Illustrious - 2025 Illustration Showcase - 168
SCAD Side Walk Festival - Georgia Power Award
Imago Fest Conference Speaker - 2022 - Master class Alumni Full
SCAD Illustrious - 2025 Illustration Showcase - 168
SCAD Side Walk Festival - Georgia Power Award
Imago Fest Conference Speaker - 2022 - Master class Alumni Full