Rafael López is an internationally recognized illustrator and artist. His illustrations bring diverse characters to children’s books, and he is driven to produce and promote books that reflect and honor the lives of all young people. Born and raised in Mexico City to architect parents, López was immersed in the rich visual heritage, music, and surrealism of his native culture.

He is a founder of the Urban Art Trail movement in San Diego’s East Village, where he created a series of large-scale murals that brought the community together. His murals can be found around the country in urban areas, at children’s hospitals, public schools, under freeways, and at farmer’s markets. He lives and works in an industrial loft in downtown San Diego and at his home/studio in the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.