Christina Rodriguez-Unalt, or "C. Rod. Unalt" illustrates work for the picture book and middle-grade trade markets. As a Hispanic creator, her mission is to contribute to the cultural diversity of the children's book industry. She enjoys projects most when they are whimsical and better yet, if just a tad bit on the spooky side. Her work is primarily drawn on an iPad, printed on watercolor paper, and then painted with acrylic and colored pencil is added on top. To learn more about her process, go here. 

 

Christina has an MFA in Illustration from the University of Hartford. She is currently the Head of the BFA Illustration program at Montclair State University where she developed their current illustration curriculum. She teaches the next generation of professional illustrators how to bring their own authenticity into their work while contributing to the succession of illustration history.

 

When she's not illustrating, writing, or professor-ing, you can find her snuggled up on the couch with her family, and on movie night playing referee to her kids over the last kernel of popcorn.

 

Christina is an active member of SCBWI, Julie Hedlund's 12X12 Picture Book Challenge, SILA, and the Co-President of the Children's Book Illustrators Group of New York (CBIG).

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Christina is proudly represented by Sheila Fernley

at Storm Literary Agency.

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Partial client list: Arte Público Press, Capstone Publishing, Heinemann, Spider Magazine, Brandylane Publishers, Seed Learning, Inc, Firewords Magazine, and Dinardo Design

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Awards and Recognition:

• 2025 Collection of 15 works displayed at "Imaginary Kingdom: An Exhibition of Children's Book Illustrators" Interchurch Gallery in New York Coming May 13th-July 11th

• 2024 "Draw Off" Panel Moderator for LatinxKidLit Festival

• 2024 Hosted a Workshop at SCBWI NJ Conference

• 2024 PB Party Illustration Showcase Finalist

• 2023 Original Illustration exhibition and permanent collection to the Chen Bochui International Children's Literature Award (CICLA) in Shanghai, China

• 2022 Original Illustration exhibition and permanent collection to the Chen Bochui International Children's Literature Award (CICLA) in Shanghai, China

• 2020 Certificate of Merit to the Society of Illustrators: Illustration West 58 Competition

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