When did you first begin your volunteer work with 826 Valencia’s Design department?
During the pandemic, I actually applied to be a Design intern, but ended up getting an opportunity to design a bilingual book cover for The Mist Became Her Accomplice, a collection of writing from 826 Valencia middle school students. At the time, I was just looking for any kind of real-world illustration experience—connecting with other artists and finding work felt nearly impossible. I really loved the film noir concept—it pushed me to explore different illustration styles I hadn’t tried before, which was super exciting. Even more so, reading some of the youth writing brought me back to my middle school days, making up silly stories in my journal for fun.
Taking on this cover gave me the confidence I needed to keep going with illustration and reignited nostalgia for the magic of storytelling.
What is your favorite book jacket design you created for us, and why?
Honestly, it’s so hard to pick a favorite—I love each cover for different reasons! But the most fun one to work on was definitely Hypnotize Good into the World. There were so many characters and wild little places to include, and I had a lovely time dreaming them up, playing with the layout, and warping the perspective to give it this psychedelic, out-of-this-world vibe. I also learned about the legend of Tata Duende, a dwarf who has his legs on backward.
During the sketching phase, I even experimented with funky gradients and surreal skies—some of which didn’t make the final cut, but were still such a joy to create. Out of all the covers I’ve done, this is the one I’d want to live in the most. It just feels like its own weird, magical universe with humans and mythical legends.
What inspired you to join our community?
I’ve always loved 826 Valencia’s mission of empowering youth through writing, but I also really love how whimsical and imaginative the organization is. It gives me a chance to tap into that playful side of my work, which doesn’t come often.
Working with 826 Valencia has also been a great way to stay connected with local illustrators through their meetups. The creative team is full of incredibly talented folks who somehow come up with fresh, fun imagery for the tons of chapbook covers they put out every year—it’s super inspiring to be part of that energy!
What hobbies do you enjoy when you’re not volunteering at 826 Valencia?
I generally switch between a wide array of hobbies to keep life feeling exciting. Lately, I’ve been really into Tahitian dance! It’s such a beautiful blend of movement and graceful expression, and it’s become both a creative outlet and a way to stay active. My favorite move is the Varu, which is making a figure 8 with your hips. Also, I love being part of a strong, intergenerational community of women and girls who dance together! It’s super energizing and grounding at the same time. The kids are so funny and sweet.
Also, I’m way in deep into the world of junk journaling, which is like scrapbooking using ephemera collected throughout the day. As someone who loves design, I find so much joy in collaging and archiving—it brings a new layer of meaning to my memories. I actually got back into it after cleaning my room and finding my old high school scrapbook. Flipping through it reminded me how much I love that tactile, layered way of storytelling.
Lately, with how fast everything moves, I’ve found it hard to feel the passage of time. Junk journaling helps me slow down and notice the small, beautiful moments. I also really believe in the value of archiving—no matter how ordinary life might seem, I can’t help but wonder what future generations will think when they look back on this era.
Any advice for new 826 Valencia creative volunteers?
Definitely have fun!!! Flex your creativity. Lean into the magic.
What is one place in the city that always inspires you?
I love taking transit to the Ferry Building or simply walking through the streets of San Francisco—especially around Bernal Heights, the Castro, and the Mission. What makes SF so special to me is how each neighborhood has its own distinct charm; just walking a few blocks can feel like entering a completely different world. I often find myself drawn to Chinatown as well—for the energy, the food, the hidden alleyways, and the art that constantly inspires me. Growing up in Chinatown shaped a lot of who I am, and I’m always thinking about how to reflect those experiences in my work. The colors, the sounds, the steep hills—they all inspire some of my work.
If you could live for a day in a children’s book, which book would you choose?
Goodnight Moon would be a fantastic place to live in. Rabbit has good taste and an eye for interior design. I love how cozy and vibrant the space feels.