Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Cepeda.

Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

When I was a kid, I loved telling stories. I wanted to keep them in my physical reality, but I didn’t know how to write yet. So I started drawing my stories, and it has been like that for as long as I can remember.

Growing up, I always knew that I would be an artist. My family saw my potential and always encouraged me to develop that side of myself. I don’t think I would be the same without their support. That is why, in my teens, I decided to get serious about art. I took lessons, practiced every day, and even had the opportunity to sell my art at bazaars and small galleries.

Then the pandemic hit. Everything stopped, but my mind couldn’t. I started experimenting with writing short stories and poems, trying to understand myself and the completely new world I was living in. Without even noticing, I had created the draft of my first graphic novel. I temporarily paused this project to focus on my studies at Chavón School of Design in the Dominican Republic, but I later decided to continue it as my final thesis. And that’s how Essence was born.

Essence is a graphic novel with nine short stories and one main visual story. Text and image complement each other, creating an even bigger message: how hope comes from within. In this book, our protagonist lives in the Void—a dark, painful yet comfortable place. She decides to step out of the Void when she finds golden glimmers. She follows them, hoping to find something better, but the Void still stalks her. Inspired by my experience with depression, I wanted to create a project that sends a message of hope and healing to those who need it.

After my graduation, I decided to officially publish it. That’s how I started working at LiteVisual Studios, a local comic publisher. Thanks to the team and their mentorship, my dream of publishing a book at the International Book Fair of the Dominican Republic came true. But my dreams didn’t stop there.

I had always wanted to study abroad, so after finishing my studies at Chavón, I took a year to figure out my next steps. During that time, I worked on a couple of book projects as a freelancer and on comic projects. On the side, I pursued teaching art, giving Saturday classes for teens and illustration workshops for adults. I spent that year experimenting and exploring my options until I finally received a scholarship to The School of Visual Arts in New York. A whole new chapter began.

Currently, I am still studying at SVA. I want to expand my knowledge of the publishing industry and connect with professionals in the field to grow my career and achieve my professional goals. As an artist, my main goal is to create meaningful connections with people through stories and bring to life narratives that change one’s perspective of the world—or of oneself.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Even today, I encounter some bumps along the way, but I keep moving forward. The biggest obstacle has come from within: my anxiety and insecurity. The uncertainty of the future has made me doubt myself and my ability to sustain a career as an artist many times. Even now, some shadows of doubt still follow me. But through this process, I’ve learned that insecurity and doubt will always be there—so you might as well do what you love.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

The best term to describe what I do is visual storyteller. I like to work on projects with a compelling story. It doesn’t matter if it’s a comic, a book, or an animation—my passion lies in sharing transformative stories with the world. Right now, I’m drawn to working on comic and book projects as a writer and illustrator.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is my graphic novel, Essence. From writing short stories to designing characters and structuring the layout, this project represents the kind of work I want to continue throughout my career. Essence conveys a message of hope and resilience, taking readers on a journey of self-exploration and mental health awareness. This theme is amplified through illustrations and comic panels, where every visual choice strengthens the storytelling.

Another project I loved working on was Floating Above the Canes, a poetry book where I used culturally significant symbols and metaphor-driven illustrations to explore themes of grief, nostalgia, and LGBTQ+ identity. What I valued most about this project was the collaboration process. I worked closely with the author to ensure that his vision was respected and enhanced through symbolic spot illustrations and a book cover that encapsulated the book’s essence.

What sets me apart is that my work is not created for aesthetics alone—I strive to infuse meaning and depth into every illustration. Every element I create has a purpose and is carefully thought through, from the composition to the chosen medium. Everything is selected with intention, ensuring that the message is clear and resonates with the audience.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?

What I have loved about New York since the moment I set foot in the city is its incredible diversity and endless inspiration. If you go for a walk (which is another thing I love about the city—being able to walk everywhere), you’ll encounter people from all walks of life, each with their own unique style, background, fears, and dreams. Whenever I need inspiration for a character, simply observing people on the street—their features, expressions, and mannerisms—becomes a great creative exercise.

Perhaps what I like least is the city’s relentless pace. While this energy is incredibly useful for work projects and keeping passion and ambition alive, in the long run, it can feel overwhelming. In my opinion, it’s difficult to find a true sense of peace in New York. There is always something new happening, something to do, something to worry about. It’s a great place for self-discovery and personal growth, as you’re constantly evolving and adapting, but sometimes it’s necessary to step back from the chaos to avoid burnout.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lauramariecepeda.wixsite.com/laura-cepeda-illustr
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraindraw/?hl=es-la
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-marie-cepeda-ortega-b32a62264/
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Laura-Cepeda/dp/9945940902/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=