Debora Adachi is a Brazilian-Japanese illustrator based in Ireland

Debora Adachi is a Brazilian-Japanese illustrator, children’s author, and facilitator based in Ireland. She graduated in Architecture and previously worked in animation. Her style is handmade, and colour-vibrant with a pinch of humour.

Her particular strength: joyful expressive characters packed with personality. Coming from a family with a migration history and being a settled migrant in Ireland has made her an advocate for migrants' rights.

She is also deeply committed to pet fostering and adoption as the daughter of a vet dad. Her work has earned recognition, including the FAB Prize 22 Highly Commended Illustration, Arts Council Agility Award (2024), and a shortlist for Publishing Ireland's Breakthrough Award (2024). She’s a Pathways into Children’s Publishing 22-24 and HC Author Academy ‘23 alumni.

Clients include Harper Collins, Goethe Institut and Storytime Mag. She’s also the current IC for SCBWI Ireland.

What would you say is your best piece of work/collaboration to date, and why?

My best piece to date is an illustration I created as part of Pathways Into Children’s Illustration where we worked with Oxford University Press with a text by Viola Wang. It was a non-fiction title for children. We had a year to work on this project, and I learned so much during the process. I consolidated my style and developed a workflow that I currently enjoy, which combines traditional mediums with digital tools.

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration in daily life through observing people and their emotional reactions. As a keen observer, I incorporate these findings into my illustrations. Books and movies that make me reflect deeply on life also inspire me. I often find myself pondering a particular piece for days after experiencing it...

Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.

I believe I’m an advocate for migrants' rights - everyone deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and at home in their new communities! Mobility is a fundamental human right. The ability to move, settle, and flourish should be accessible to everyone, but unfortunately, it's just for a few. As someone who has experienced migration firsthand, and coming from a family who has a history of migration, this cause is very close to my heart.

I believe in the power of immigration and in the enrichment that comes from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We cannot overlook the countless contributions immigrants make to their new homes: culturally, economically, and socially. Every immigrant's journey represents hope and courage in seeking a better future.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.

I believe something distinctive of me is a deep curiosity about human behaviour and emotions. I love capturing how people react in different situations—their expressions, their feelings, their stories, the objects they carry with them. I understand that the details carry a story. So when viewers connect emotionally with an illustration, it becomes more memorable. That's why I focus on creating characters and narratives that resonate on an emotional level.

If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)?

What normally stands out to clients are my characters. They're consistently described as child-friendly, joyful, expressive, and packed with personality. They also like the fact that I add small details that make readers spot new elements each time they look at my illustrations.

How would you describe your style?

Handmade, colour vibrant, with a pinch of humour

Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you were offered it - something that connects to something meaningful to you

I would love to work on a book about pet fostering/adoption. I have always been connected to animals throughout my life, as my dad is a vet and my mom owns a pet hotel in Brazil. So I was always surrounded by animals, especially dogs. When I moved to Ireland, I really missed my pets. We couldn’t find homes that were pet-friendly. Once we found our own place, we started fostering and fell in love with the pets we cared for. We still remember them and hope they found a family they love. Chester was our third foster and became our forever dog. However, we continue to foster pets whenever possible.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

I’m working on some picturebook stories...

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real-life person, who would that be?

There isn’t someone specific, but I’d love to illustrate a book about drag art.

If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

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