I’m a Colombian illustrator based in France. I graduated with honors from the Master’s program in Multimedia Editorial Illustration at Emile Cohl School in Lyon, after studying Visual Arts with a focus on graphic expression at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá. Since 2015, I’ve been working as a freelance illustrator, collaborating with publishers and creating covers and illustrations for children’s books, novels, and scientific texts.

My work reflects a deep fascination with nature and dreamlike worlds. I love blending illustrations of plants, animals, magical creatures, and landscapes that evoke nostalgia and tenderness, capturing that moment where reality and fantasy collide.

In addition to my work as an illustrator, I’m a writer, which deeply influences my creative process.

I go by the nickname Disturbed Child.

Write to me :)
clevesdavid@gmail.com

Exhibitions

  • Solo Exhibition “Litoral” – CasaTinta, Bogotá, 2024.

  • Group Exhibition – Illustration Biennial – Mexico City, 2024.

  • Group Exhibition – Illustration Biennial – Mexico City, 2022.

  • Exhibition “Nouveaux Horizons” – Alliance Française de Lyon, France, 2020.

  • Watercolor Biennial “Aquarello in Fabriano” – Italy, 2018.

  • Latin American Watercolor Biennial – Colombia, 2018.

  • “Colombian Art in Wynwood” – New York, USA, 2017.

  • “Sur un air de musique” – Children's and Young Adult Book Festival, Rouen, France, 2016.

  • “Imagen Palabra” – Medellín, Colombia, 2016.

  • Group Exhibition – Tragaluz Illustration Award – Medellín, Colombia, 2013.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Tragaluz Illustration Award – Medellín, Colombia, 2013.

  • Selected Laureate – Rouen Children's Book Festival – Rouen, France, 2016.

  • Selected as a representative artist under 30 at the Fabriano Watercolor Biennial – Italy, 2018.

  • Grant for the Publication of an Illustrated Book – Colombian Ministry of Culture – 2019. (Awarded for the book Que sea lo que Dios quiera.)

  • Selected Laureate for illustrating the greeting cards of the Lyon City Hall – France, 2019.

  • Finalist – Bacánika Illustration Salon – Colombia, 2021.

  • Finalist – Illustration Biennial of Mexico – Mexico City, 2022. (Outstanding illustrations.)

  • Finalist – Illustration Biennial of Mexico – Mexico City, 2024. (Outstanding illustrations.)

Clients

  • Artège Le Sénevé

  • CasaTinta

  • Editorial Siete Gatos

  • El Malpensante

  • La Jaula Editores

  • L'Initiale

  • Malevo Editores

  • Norma Editores

  • Panamericana

  • Plein Vent

  • Revista Semana

  • Studio RBN

  • Voce Verso