• whimsical, poetic and surreal visual storytelling


• production design & visual development
• character & environment design
• concept art, colour scripts
• animation art direction


• kid & YA lit illustration
• picture book, chapterbook, cover, editorial illustration
• sequential art

Ana María Méndez Salgado

ILLUSTRATION & VISUAL DEVELOPMENT

Ana the artist:

I’m a visual storyteller passionate about the intrinsic metaphors and poetry inhabiting animations, cinema, picture books and sequential narratives.

I work digitally and traditionally, procuring that the style, characters and backgrounds emerge from the tone of the story and concepts explored. I love to be involved in projects that delve into fantasy, poetry, magic realism and children's & young adults' literature.

Originally from Colombia, I currently live in Adelaide, where I work at "KaruKaru Animation" as co-director, production designer and writer of animated stories, and where I also enjoy my work as a freelance illustrator.

My work has been showcased as part of award-winning productions in Latin-America, Europe and Australia. I've undertaken studies in Visual Art, Illustration and Animation as well as courses in Children's Literature, Cinema and Sequential Narrative. I've also worked as a mentor and lecturer at the University of South Australia.

Ana just Ana:

I was born in Bototá, Colombia and spent my childhood in constant contact with the mountains. I love riding my pushbike, being surrounded by nature, listening to children's conversations, reading legends, studying old objects with hidden stories, and contemplating the world while everyone else is busy. I currently live and work in Adelaide, South Australia, with my husband and best friend, and our rounded-face, curious and mysterious little girl.