Award-winning children’s book illustrator, author, and visual storyteller creating culturally relevant, gender-sensitive stories and educational materials for Filipino learners. I translate manuscripts into expressive characters and age-appropriate narrative scenes through concept development, inclusive illustration, and editorial collaboration from draft to final production.

John Ronnel G. Popa

Award-winning children’s book illustrator, author, and visual storyteller creating culturally relevant, gender-sensitive stories and educational materials for Filipino learners. I translate manuscripts into expressive characters and age-appropriate narrative scenes through concept development, inclusive illustration, and editorial collaboration from draft to final production.

Available to hire

Award-winning children’s book illustrator, author, and visual storyteller creating culturally relevant, gender-sensitive stories and educational materials for Filipino learners.

I translate manuscripts into expressive characters and age-appropriate narrative scenes through concept development, inclusive illustration, and editorial collaboration from draft to final production.

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Language

English
Advanced
Tagalog
Fluent

Work Experience

Professional Children's Book Writer and Illustrator at Lampara Books Publishing & Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources
January 1, 2020 - Present
Develop concept art, character designs, compositions, and final illustrations for children’s books and educational resources. Translate manuscripts and learning objectives into clear, emotionally engaging, age-appropriate visual narratives. Create culturally grounded, inclusive, and gender-sensitive imagery for Filipino children and early-grade learners. Collaborate with writers, editors, educators, and publishers through revision and production; author and illustrate original learning materials.
Children's Book Writer and Illustrator at Lampara Books Publishing and Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources
January 1, 2020 - Present
Develops concepts, character designs, compositions, and final illustrations for children's books and educational resources. Translates manuscripts and learning objectives into emotionally engaging, age-appropriate visual narratives. Creates culturally grounded, inclusive, and gender-sensitive imagery for Filipino children and early-grade learners. Collaborates with writers, editors, educators, and publishers through revision and production, producing original authored and illustrated learning materials.
Teacher III - Literacy, Storytelling, and Creative Learning at Department of Education, Philippines
June 1, 2018 - Present
Designs illustrated learning resources that integrate visual storytelling, literature, and arts-based instruction. Leads workshops on creative curriculum design, visual learning materials, and learner-centered literacy practices. Uses classroom and audience insights to create accessible, engaging, and developmentally appropriate content for young readers.
Elementary Teacher at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities
April 1, 2015 - May 31, 2018
Created visual and print learning materials for English, Science, and Social Studies classes. Organized school-wide literacy events and storytelling activities to encourage reading and creative expression. Produced instructional content tailored to classroom needs and learner engagement.

Education

Master of Arts in Language Education (18 units) at Jose Rizal University
January 1, 0000 - January 1, 0000
Bachelor of Secondary Education (Major in English) at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2015
Master of Arts in Language Education (18 units) at Jose Rizal University
January 11, 2030 - July 29, 2026
Bachelor of Secondary Education (Major in English) at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities
January 1, 2011 - May 1, 2015

Qualifications

National Book Development Board of the Philippines - Registered Author, Illustrator, and Editor
January 1, 0000 - July 29, 2026
Member - Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK)
April 14, 2022 - July 29, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Media & Entertainment
    Seaglass Treasures
    Illustrated Sea Glass Treasures, a children’s poetry anthology published by Lampara Books. Created engaging, child-friendly visuals that translated each poem’s imagery, emotions, and themes into cohesive illustrations while collaborating with the author and publishing team. illustrator graphicdesigner