Hi! I’m Beatriz Watanabe — but you can call me Bia.
I’m an illustrator and graphic designer based in Brazil. I was born in Rio de Janeiro to a Paraguayan mother, a Brazilian father, and Japanese grandparents on both sides, and I’ve always been inspired by the blend of cultures and stories around me.
I earned my degree in Graphic Design from the School of Fine Arts at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) in 2007. Later, I completed a Master’s (2010) and Doctorate (2016) in Industrial Engineering, where I explored the more creative aspects of the field. My academic research focused on design in education and its impact in Rio’s favelas. During this time, I also volunteered as an art teacher in a project that helped university workers learn reading and writing through creativity.
From 2019 to 2023, I worked with Instituto Vida Livre (Free Life Institute), a Brazilian non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates wildlife affected by trafficking or urban accidents. I contributed design and project management skills to support their important mission.
Since 2018, I’ve been working professionally in Graphic Design and illustration. In 2024, I decided to focus fully on my career as an illustrator. Some recent projects include a cover illustration for Vicentina Aranha Park and a picture book, O menino disse mar, published by Palavras in Brazil.
I love creating whimsical worlds, characters, and stories. I began with sketchbooks, watercolors, gouache, and colored pencils — and today, I often work digitally using Procreate. I’m always exploring new tools and learning more about light, color, and storytelling.
If you’d like to collaborate or just say hello, feel free to reach out:
📧 mail@biawatanabe.com
