I am so excited to show off the book The Lighthouse Keeper by Eugenio Fernández Vázquez and Mariana Villanueva Segovia through the eyes of illustrator Mariana. We're talking about her process for the book, the challenges she encountered along the way, and what she has going on next!
About the book:
The coast can be a dangerous place, especially in stormy weather. Fortunately for us, out in the middle of the sea lives the lighthouse keeper, a remarkable person who dedicates his life to saving the lost and shipwrecked. You'd think he'd be lonely out there all on his own, but he has a secret friend who visits him when he least expects and most needs it.
Let's talk Mariana Villanueva Segovia!
LTPB: How did you become the illustrator of The Lighthouse Keeper? What were the first images that popped into your mind when you saw Eugenio Fernández Vázquez’s text?
MVS: Eugenio and I first collaborated during the pandemic on Un amor por encima de todo, a book that was warmly received and even earned an honorable mention in a competition. That experience sparked a great creative connection between us, so we decided to dive into a new project together.
When Eugenio sent me the text for The Lighthouse Keeper, I was instantly captivated. I knew right away I wanted to be part of it.
The very first image that came to mind was the lighthouse keeper himself—a striking figure with a beard made of fish. He felt so vivid and full of personality: strong, generous, and deeply caring. Eugenio had captured him perfectly, and I couldn’t wait to bring him to life visually.
LTPB: Can you talk a little bit about the visual evolution of The Lighthouse Keeper? As you got to know the characters, how did your illustrations evolve?
MVS: Creating the second character was actually the most challenging part. I’d never had so much creative freedom before, the text left everything wide open. It could’ve been a mermaid, a dog, a fish… the possibilities were endless!
But then came the moon, and it just felt right! As soon as the idea appeared, it was clear this character was meant to take center stage.
From that moment on, everything began to flow. The moon started filling the pages with smiles, little winks, and a quiet kind of magic. Honestly, it was beautiful to see how naturally it all came together.
LTPB: What did you find most difficult in creating this book? What did you find most rewarding?
MVS: Realizing that the second character was the moon was both the hardest and the most rewarding part. It completely shifted the feeling of the story, and once it clicked, everything else fell into place.
LTPB: What did you use to create the illustrations in this book? Is this your preferred medium? How does your process change from book to book?
MVS: I usually mix analog and digital techniques. I love blending textures from photos, paintings, or found images into digital illustrations; it adds a warm, organic touch that feels more human.
But this book turned out to be my most digital project yet. Aside from a few textures, almost everything was created digitally. And I’m really happy with the result, it has the exact vibe I was aiming for: a balance between geometric precision and natural softness. It’s as if the story itself asked for that contrast.
LTPB: What are you working on now?
MVS: Right now, I’m working on a personal project, a children’s book about architecture. It might sound like an unusual mix, but I’m excited about where it’s heading.
I’m still figuring out the best way to release it, so I can’t share images just yet… but something special is definitely taking shape.
LTPB: If you got the chance to write your own picture book autobiography, who (dead or alive!) would you want to illustrate it, and why?
MVS: Wow, great question! I think I’d choose Santiago Solís. I really admire his work, and I feel like we share many of the same places and experiences. He would truly understand my story on a personal level.
Plus, his visual language is so close to mine, it would be the perfect match!
A big thank you to Mariana for talking to me about this book! The Lighthouse Keeper publishes today from Tapioca Stories!
Special thanks to Mariana and Tapioca for use of these images!
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