A storyteller can have the ability to transport people into a different space mentally, creatively, and emotionally in a variety of ways. Yesenia Moises, an Afro-Latina author and illustrator, uses her talents to create a world where music, culture, and creativity are celebrated while providing much-needed representation in children’s literature. Known for her Afro-fantasy storytelling, Yesenia has collaborated with icons like Disney, Serena Williams, Ludacris, and Steph Curry.
“Growing up, I enjoyed watching anime and loved drawing the characters from the shows, but I also drew my characters because I didn’t see characters that looked like me on TV much,” Moises said, talking about her inspirations for her drawings. “When I became an adult and was trying to figure out how to build my art career, I found my enjoyment and creativity at its highest when creating these ethereal and magical Black characters.”
For Moises, art was like her best friend growing up; it removed the feeling of loneliness and helped her navigate life. “I was a sheltered kid; my parents were immigrants from the Dominican Republic, and they were cautious about my safety living in the Bronx, so I spent most of my time inside drawing and practicing my craft.” While Moises enjoyed drawing, she didn’t realize her talents until one of her high school teachers brought her artist-grade colored pencils and gave continuous speeches about how gifted she was and to never stop drawing.
With their immigrant background, Moises’s parents were more on the practical side when it came to what career path they wanted their daughter to follow. “My parents were more focused on me becoming a doctor or lawyer, traditional employment, you know? My teacher was the first to make me believe I could have a career in the arts.” After some time, Moises and her parents were able to find a compromise as Moises continued her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology, majoring in toy design.
Moises propelled her degree into a job with Fisher Price, sketching designs and 3D models for their toys. While working with Fisher Price, Moises continued drawing and received the opportunity to illustrate her first children’s book, “Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color,” by Monique Fields, in 2019. This book received major success, and it reminded Moises that many people in the illustrator/author world didn’t resemble her.
“It gets scary when you realize how little representation there is of Black characters in children’s books written and illustrated by Black authors and illustrators,” Moises said, talking about avoiding being boxed in as a Black artist and author. “It’s tough because you definitely want to represent your people and culture, but you can be typecast into a lane as a writer or drawer instead of being able to express your full creativity and still be successful.”
Moises didn’t let the pressure from the industry stop her from expressing herself, which led her to create several children’s books with her Afro-fantasy artwork, the first of its kind. Her books showcase Black kids embracing themselves and enjoying life with a twist. Moises’ next book, “Sounds of Joy,” releasing this summer, features a Black mermaid who discovers the magic of rhythm and teamwork.
“It’s important for kids to see themselves going on all types of adventures and not just the typical Black and Brown stories you see from children’s books,” Moises said. “They need to know they can enjoy life and their creativity to its fullest capacity.”