Through colorful palettes and detailed drawings, four California artists are bringing unique characters and worlds to life! They are each applying their passion to a new and important project for the Department’s Autism Services Branch (ASB) and Office of Emergency Services. As part of a Paid Internship Program, they are creating illustrated workbooks for emergency response and recovery for people with developmental disabilities.
“Art is a powerful medium that we need. What I hope my artwork would do is that it may help calm someone down, especially a kid, during their stressful time. I hope I can bring the same comfort art gave me as a child to Californians as well,” said Janet Figueroa, artist and Department ASB intern.
Once finished, the workbooks will be shared with individuals and families who may need support after an emergency event. The books will include illustrated stories to explain different natural disasters or traumatic events, as well as workbook and coloring pages to help process feelings and recover. They’re expected to be complete by Summer 2026.
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month and celebration of the new campaign “Talent in Every Workplace,” two of the artists are sharing their work and story with us. Get a glimpse of their artwork and read more about them below!
Dalilah Lopez: Telling Stories Through Colorful Animation
Artist Dalilah Lopez
Dalilah Lopez graduated from Otis College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media, focusing on animation. She heard about the Department’s internship from the Integrated Resources Institute and says she was excited about the work because she has always loved drawing and telling stories.
“I’ve been drawing ever since I was young and wanted to pursue a career path that I’d enjoy doing. I love having the freedom to create stories and tell them through sketches and illustrations. I love creating characters the most, and crafting a world for those characters,” said Dalilah.
Dalilah’s career goal is to continue creating, working as a storyboard artist or revisionist. She’s currently working on a personal project creating webcomics on WEBTOON CANVAS. It’s called the “Bearers of Light and Shadows” and is about “a pair of twins who wish to learn more of their powers as they discover that the stories they were told are more than just tales and try to restore balance in their realms.” The project includes characters she’s been developing for over 10 years.
For other artists who are considering how to find work doing what they love, Dalilah would like to share one message: “Keep drawing. It may take time to reach goals and milestones, but it’s never too late to start pursuing this type of work.”
Illustration by Dalilah Lopez
Janet Figueroa: Building Magical Worlds with Light and Shadow
Artist Janet Figueroa
Janet Figueroa has been working as a freelance storyboard artist for animation since she graduated from CalState Fullerton University in 2020. She learned about the internship opportunity with the Department through a program called Pathways.
A lifelong artist, Janet credits her talented uncle as her deepest inspiration.
“Mi tio was an artist. He was amazing at it. Like, he was really good at it. And I enjoyed watching him draw from a distance,” Janet explained. “I wish I could show him all the work I’ve made and the impact he had on me without knowing.”
Now she creates illustrations, designs characters, and develops comic books. Just recently, she created and began selling her own graphic novel called “Bones of the Voyager” online.
In her spare time, she enjoys building worlds and creating storyboards with detailed characters, monsters, and landscapes. She says she’s often driven by her culture, background, and family.
“What I love from this type of work is that its remote. I can work from home and still be with my family, which is very important to me. Also, I’m never late to work,” Janet explained.
One day, she hopes to open up her own store to sell her artwork and to work in a large studio, like Disney, DreamWorks, Cartoon Network, or Nickelodeon. She dreams of creating her own show, movie, or graphic novel.
We asked Janet what she would like to share with other artists who may want to pursue a career in animation or graphic design. She had some helpful reminders for us all: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Also, don’t worry about always creating the best work every time. Not every drawing is going to be a masterpiece. You can always try again next time. Just enjoy drawing in the meantime and practice your skills. Remember to take breaks. Drink water. And hug your loved ones.”
Illustration by Janet Figueroa