Growing up just outside of Portland, OR, Amanda Yoshida dreamt of becoming a professional illustrator. She was captivated by the artwork in the stacks of picture books she collected and often shared her career aspirations with anyone who would listen. She spent countless hours doodling on whatever napkin or scrap of paper she could find. All this practice eventually paid off when her family opened an art gallery in the prestigious Pearl District, where she made her artistic debut as an acrylic-on-canvas gallery painter.
Years later, Amanda attended the Gnomon School of Visual Effects in Los Angeles, where she honed her digital skills as a 3D artist and graphic designer. She eventually returned to her beloved hometown of Portland, OR, and in 2016, welcomed her son into the world. Suddenly immersed in picture books, her childhood dream was reignited, and she began building her career as a professional illustrator. When she isn’t painting or enjoying the gems of Portland, she loves traveling to near and faraway places with her beloved son and sidekick, Mo.
Amanda is currently being represented by the Bright Agency.
- 2018 Eric Hoffer Award
Children’s Books, First Place - 2018 Mom’s Choice Award
Gold Medal Winner - 2017 Purple Dragonfly Book Award
Picture Books Age 6 & older,
Honorable Mention - 2017 Reader Views Award Winner:
Best Children’s Book (Toddler to age 5)
Kids Award for Best Children’s Book of the Year
Book By Book Award for Best Children’s Picture Book - 2017 Best Indie Book Award
Children’s Category, Second Place