Felicia Fortes – World Illustration Awards

2025 | Longlist + Shortlist | Children's Publishing | Professional

pronoun
She/Her
Why did you create this work?
The story, written by Jali Madi Susso, immediately resonated with me. It is about Addi who goes out to ride his snowracer. On his way up the hill he meets all kinds of curious animals. What is it that you have on your head? Fur? A strange kind of cap? No, it's my afro. The animals are curious and unrespectful. They jump into Addi's afro. He is trying to be understanding and kind, but finally demands them to back of. The story ends with the animals realizing their over-stepping and apologizing.
How were your illustrations used?
Addis afro is a book written by Jali Madi Susso and illustrated by me, Felicia Fortes. Published in January 2024 by Bonnier Carlsen in Sweden. 40 pages in total, including cover. The book has also been published in France and Denmark.
What materials and techniques did you use?
I worked in a classic and slightly folkloristic style, as to say: this is a Swedish folktale. At the same time, the images from Addi's home shows his filipino, gambian, and swedish roots. I worked with aquarelle, gouache, and color pencils. Edited in Adobe Photoshop.
Was this project commissioned?
Commissioned
Commissioner Company
Bonnier Carlsen
Commissioner Instagram
@bonniercarlsen
Personal Website or Portfolio Link
feliciafortes.com
Instagram
@feliciafortes
Biography
Illustrator and artist Felicia Fortes paints, illustrates, designs, and writes. She studied art, literature, and illustration at the University of Gothenburg. She is recognized for her editorial illustrations in Dagens Nyheter, Göteborgs-Posten, Kommunalarbetaren, and Skriva, among others. Her art is surreal and explores play. Her debut as a children’s book illustrator, Addis afro, was published in 2024. She is currently working on two children's books and teaching at a children's book program.
Where are you currently based?
Sweden

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