I had SUCH a great great time at yesterdays BOOK JOY LIVE hosted by the incomparable Mr. John Schu. I also had the pleasure of sharing the screen space with the talented Mike Boldt and I became an instant fan of his work. Thank you Mr.Schu and Scholastics Book Fair for having me on and having virtual events such as these to keep us avid readers engaged! XO

​You can see a recording of the video here.

You can follow Mr.Schu on twitter here. 

This Monday was a big day for the American Library Association when they announced the winners of the YMA's, the Youth Media Awards (It's basically the Oscars of Children's Literature).  It's where they honor authors and illustrator's of the industry with prestigious awards such as Newberry's, Coretta Scott King awards, the Caldecott and of course, the Geisel award, named for yes, Dr. Seuss himself. An award given to the most distinguished American book for beginning readers.  

I'm so psyched and thrilled to announce that one of (four) 2021's Geisel honoree went to our very own Ty's Travels. WOW.  This was just one of the most surreal calls I'd ever gotten in my life when the Geisel award committee called to personally congratulate me. Days later I'm still in a fog about it. 

So many feels when I think of how hard it took for me to get to a place in my career where The ALA is recognizing my work. 

​The concept for Ty's Travels was one of the most natural idea to come to me. And I'm in awe and grateful that the series that allows me to be myself and let loose like a giant kid gets recognized as "distinguished". I hope who ever is reading, and you're just starting out in your own adventure that you can see how persistence and trusting yourself can lead to far more than over thinking. Let go and watch the magic unfold. 

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Congratulations to all the 2021 ALA winners & honorees!!
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Last month I was invited by Hillside Avenue School in Cranford, NJ to speak to some awesome 7th graders about my career as an illustrator. Thank you all so much for being such awesome kids.

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This weekend one of their teachers Mrs. Jacobs came by our house to personally deliver some of the BEST Thank You cards I've ever received. 

I also had some questions they took time to write that I never got to answering that I thought would be fun to answer:

How long have you been drawing?
My first memories are drawing on the floor of my grandmas house..I believe I was 4 years old. 

How long have you been illustrating professionally?
10 years.

What was the first book you ever illustrated?
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An early reader book called, “Dawns Hiccups” by Lynne Robertson published by Oxford University Press.  You can find a video reading of it here.

What inspired you to be an illustrator?
Inspiration comes from everywhere and everyone who Ive ever met. My dad taught me line art. My mom hired me to draw a mural for her classroom once at the age of 8. My cousin Rebekah always inspires me to be more creative. Then there’s Walt Disney, Bob Ross, Ezra Keats, John Steptoe this list goes on and on. 


Who helped you along the way?
Aside from my husband Aaron, and my incredible agents Christina Tugeau & Christy Ewers, I didn’t really have anyone who thought it was a good idea to pursue a career as an artist. Since no one in my family ever really pursued their personal passion, I fought to get here and earned my place. I didn’t listen to the warnings of my family and friends who didn’t know what was on the other side of struggling to make it into an art career because as much as it came from a good place they knew as much as I did which wasn’t much at all. 

What made you choose this drawing style? Did you have any other styles you like?
Style is always evolving. My style has completely changed over the years and I think it will always continue to do so. 

What makes you want to draw?
Drawing was always my happy place. It was always something I did that created a connection to other people.  


What do you start with when you begin an illustration project?
Research. Lots and lots of research. I can take anywhere from 1-4 days just looking for photo references and color schemes. 


How long does it take for you to complete a full book?
It can take any where from 4-7months.


Have you ever turned down a book?
Unfortunately yes. It really is the worst feeling for me when I have to turn down a project due to conflicting schedules.


What illustration are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the illustrations that people can relate to and knowing it touched them. 


I love all types of illustration. I love collage work and art that can tug at my heart strings without words. 

Is anyone in your family an artist?
Yes. My dads mom has been known to draw photorealistic sketches. Most of my cousins are graphic designers, calligraphy artist, photographers and are so much more talented than I am. 


What was the most meaningful illustration you’ve ever created?
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Most of my personal projects usually come from a sentimental place.

“Lost” was a very personal piece for me. When I was 7 I got lost inside the Brooklyn aquarium and I was petrified. I felt so small and everyones feet looked the same and unfamiliar all at once. 


Have you ever considered animating your stories?
That would be lovely! I would love to see one of my illustrations come to life one of these days. *fingers crossed* 

Thank you again to the awesome middle graders at the Hillside Ave. Be kind and live life with your whole heart. Your 10,000 hours is ticking. What will you make out of it?

I hope to see you guys around town. 

xoxo 
N. Mata

This recent editorial art I did for Highlights was something very special to me since it was about a Filipino American family with characters not too far from own family. Be sure to get a copy! This issue is jam packed with July 4th and stories of diversity which is the essence of America.