I am Paola Alejandra Marchand Zecchinelli, born in Mexico City and raised in Morelia, Michoacán. From a young age, I have been passionate about drawing and painting, leading me to study Graphic Design at Universidad Latina de América and specialize in children's book illustration. Over the years, I have combined my love for traditional and digital art techniques to create magical and engaging illustrations for children. After moving to Queretaro with my family, I taught art in elementary schools for 14 years while working as a freelance artist. In January 2023, we relocated to Mississippi, which opened a new chapter for me to fully devote myself to design and children's illustration. My inspiration often stems from fantasy, movement, magic, and my own children, incorporating their perspective into my work. I am passionate, responsible, and committed to producing creative and story-driven illustrations.

Paola Alejandra Marchand Zecchinelli

I am Paola Alejandra Marchand Zecchinelli, born in Mexico City and raised in Morelia, Michoacán. From a young age, I have been passionate about drawing and painting, leading me to study Graphic Design at Universidad Latina de América and specialize in children's book illustration. Over the years, I have combined my love for traditional and digital art techniques to create magical and engaging illustrations for children. After moving to Queretaro with my family, I taught art in elementary schools for 14 years while working as a freelance artist. In January 2023, we relocated to Mississippi, which opened a new chapter for me to fully devote myself to design and children's illustration. My inspiration often stems from fantasy, movement, magic, and my own children, incorporating their perspective into my work. I am passionate, responsible, and committed to producing creative and story-driven illustrations.

Available to hire

I am Paola Alejandra Marchand Zecchinelli, born in Mexico City and raised in Morelia, Michoacán. From a young age, I have been passionate about drawing and painting, leading me to study Graphic Design at Universidad Latina de América and specialize in children’s book illustration. Over the years, I have combined my love for traditional and digital art techniques to create magical and engaging illustrations for children.

After moving to Queretaro with my family, I taught art in elementary schools for 14 years while working as a freelance artist. In January 2023, we relocated to Mississippi, which opened a new chapter for me to fully devote myself to design and children’s illustration. My inspiration often stems from fantasy, movement, magic, and my own children, incorporating their perspective into my work. I am passionate, responsible, and committed to producing creative and story-driven illustrations.

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Language

Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Children's Illustrator and Graphic Designer at Freelance / Self-employed
January 1, 2023 - Present
Design and illustrate children's books and personal projects combining traditional and digital techniques. Work includes collaborations with publisher houses and personal publications. Focus on fantasy, nature, and storytelling through images.
Art Teacher at Elementary Schools in Querétaro
January 1, 2023 - August 29, 2025
Taught art classes for 14 years in elementary schools, fostering creativity and artistic skills in children. Concurrently worked as a freelance artist focusing on children’s book illustration and design.
Freelance Children's Book Illustrator
January 1, 2023 - Present
Currently working as a freelance children's book illustrator with several published books such as "CASH & THE SCOOTER MISSION" by Elizabeth Marion Tibbals, "MORE" by Roberta C. Stone, "The Boy Who Loved Baseball" by Samantha Day Meacham, and "Why Don't Zebras Have Spots" by Jarred Couch. Responsibilities include creating engaging and colorful illustrations tailored for young readers.
Art Teacher, High School at Tec Milenio, Queretaro
December 31, 2022 - August 29, 2025
Taught art to high school students, fostering creativity and artistic skills. Worked alongside freelance illustration projects.
Art Teacher and Freelance Artist at Elementary Schools in Queretaro / Freelance
December 31, 2021 - August 29, 2025
Taught art at elementary schools for 14 years and simultaneously worked as a freelance artist illustrating children’s books and creating illustrations using a mix of traditional and digital techniques.
Art Teacher, Elementary School at Instituto Thomas Jefferson, Queretaro
December 31, 2019 - August 29, 2025
Provided art education to elementary school children and simultaneously pursued freelance illustration work.
Freelance Artist - Children’s Book Illustrator and Graphic Designer
January 1, 2009 - Present
Provided freelance illustration and graphic design services, especially focused on children’s books, combining traditional and digital techniques. Worked on various published and in-process illustrated children’s books including collaborations with authors and publishers.
Art Teacher, Elementary School at Instituto Pedagógico Piaget, Morelia, Michoacán
December 31, 2008 - August 29, 2025
Taught art to elementary students, contributing to their creative development.
Illustrator, Self-Taught
January 1, 2004 - Present
Began career as a self-taught book illustrator based in Morelia, Michoacán.

Education

Bachelor's Degree at Universidad Latina de América
January 1, 2002 - August 29, 2025
Graphic Designer at Universidad Latina de América
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design at Universidad Latina de América
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025

Qualifications

Certification in Digital Illustration
January 1, 2019 - August 29, 2025
Diploma in Art as a Pedagogical Strategy
January 1, 2018 - August 29, 2025
Professional License
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Professional License MAZP013M')5CL06 9I6A: L 566
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Professional license 56 I': MAZP013M')5CL06 9I6A: L 566
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Consumer Goods, Other