DOS TWO PHYSICAL STORYBOOK ILLUSTRATION CASE STUDY
Product
DOS TWO Published Physical Book
Timeline
September 2024 - May 2025
Teammates
Henry - Author/Writer
Mara - Lead Illustrator
Avery - Storyboard Artist
Tools
Adobe Illustrator, Procreate and Adobe Photoshop
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM
Less than 10% of children’s books feature Latinx characters, and even fewer highlight Puerto Rican-American stories. Kids deserve to see themselves in books — not just in language, but in identity, culture, and play.
Less than 10% of children’s books feature Latinx characters, and even fewer highlight Puerto Rican-American stories. Kids deserve to see themselves in books — not just in language, but in identity, culture, and play.
FINAL PRODUCT
FINAL PRODUCT
Together, our Digital Media Capstone team and author Henry Padrón-Morales collaborated to bring a vibrant Latino children’s storybook to life — featuring the journey of a Puerto Rican girl growing up bilingual.
Together, our Digital Media Capstone team and author Henry Padrón-Morales collaborated to bring a vibrant Latino children’s storybook to life — featuring the journey of a Puerto Rican girl growing up bilingual.
The book follows Clarita, an Afro-Latina girl learning to embrace her Puerto Rican roots while growing up in the U.S., inspired by both Mara's and the author’s multicultural upbringing.
The book follows Clarita, an Afro-Latina girl learning to embrace her Puerto Rican roots while growing up in the U.S., inspired by both Mara's and the author’s multicultural upbringing.
MANUSCRIPT WRITING AND RESEARCH
MANUSCRIPT WRITING AND RESEARCH
Mara begins by thoroughly reading the manuscript to understand the characters, tone, and cultural context. Our team conducts in-depth research when portraying specific ethnic groups, referencing real environments, traditional clothing, customs, and language. We also consult with individuals from the communities represented to ensure a respectful and accurate depiction.
Mara begins by thoroughly reading the manuscript to understand the characters, tone, and cultural context. Our team conducts in-depth research when portraying specific ethnic groups, referencing real environments, traditional clothing, customs, and language. We also consult with individuals from the communities represented to ensure a respectful and accurate depiction.
B. STORYBOARDING AND CONCEPT ART
B. STORYBOARDING AND CONCEPT ART
Using pencil sketches, Avery and Mara start storyboarding to map out pacing, composition, and key emotional beats. We bounce ideas back and forth to explore character design, environments, and cultural symbols. This ensures that the visual language aligns with both the story and the lived experiences being represented.
Using pencil sketches, Avery and Mara start storyboarding to map out pacing, composition, and key emotional beats. We bounce ideas back and forth to explore character design, environments, and cultural symbols. This ensures that the visual language aligns with both the story and the lived experiences being represented.
Avery's Idea
Mara's Idea
C. ITERATION AND FEEDBACK
Initial drafts are refined based on feedback, improving poses, expressions, and setting details to better support the narrative. I stay in close communication with the author and visual team throughout, ensuring that each revision strengthens both the story’s emotional core and its cultural authenticity.
Mock 1
Mock 2
Final Mock
Mock 1
Mock 2
Final Mock
Original Sketch
FInal Mock 1
Final Mock 2
D. FINAL ILLUSTRATIONS AND MOCKUP
D. FINAL ILLUSTRATIONS AND MOCKUP
Once approved, Mara created the final digital illustrations using tools like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, Illustrator, and InDesign. The artwork is formatted into a professional mockup for print and digital release.
Once approved, Mara created the final digital illustrations using tools like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, Illustrator, and InDesign. The artwork is formatted into a professional mockup for print and digital release.
D. BUSINESS AND PUBLISHING ASPECTS
D. BUSINESS AND PUBLISHING ASPECTS
As part of the independent publishing process, we are currently discussing key logistics such as how many copies to print, which publishing platform or printer to use, and managing pricing and production expenses. We're also developing a marketing and distribution strategy to ensure the book reaches its intended audience. In addition, we're exploring community-based partnerships with schools, libraries, and cultural organizations to broaden the book’s impact and visibility.
As part of the independent publishing process, we are currently discussing key logistics such as how many copies to print, which publishing platform or printer to use, and managing pricing and production expenses. We're also developing a marketing and distribution strategy to ensure the book reaches its intended audience. In addition, we're exploring community-based partnerships with schools, libraries, and cultural organizations to broaden the book’s impact and visibility.
