“I think of hope. 

And especially in a world that can be seen as cruel, that can be experienced as cruel, I think of those who have the capacity to do what they can to spread that hope and to spread that joy so we can uplift the folks that need a little bit more help.” 

- Melquea Smith

In this How To Write the Future podcast episode, host Beth Barany chats to children’s book illustrator Melquea Smith where Melquea shares the inspiration behind her unique art style, plus how her multicultural perspective enhances her vibrant, forward-thinking illustrations. 

Melquea also describes the importance of representation in art and on creating diverse, positive visuals through her inclusive character design. 

ABOUT MELQUEA SMITH

Melquea Smith is a New York based illustrator with an obsession with color, animals, and children’s media. 

When not illustrating or traveling, you can find her watching cartoons and animated movies, learning all about Japan, terribly dancing with her cat Kilala, and giving her other cat Bumblebee pit-pats on her super fluffy tummy.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettykittypaintings/

Get 3 free illustrations to use on your content! https://prettykittypaintings.com/free-illos

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• SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
• SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade
• EDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompart

c. 2025 BETH BARANY

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CREDITS
EDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)
MUSIC: Uppbeat.io
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