The Role of the Illustrator in the Age of AI

The Importance of Visual, Local, Cultural, and Historical Repertoire in the Creative Process of Children's Book Illustrations

Authors

  • Maria Clara Marins Rampinelli Federal University of Espírito Santo image/svg+xml , Postgraduate program in arts
  • David Ruiz Torres University of Malaga image/svg+xml

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47456/rf.rf.2234.53300

Keywords:

illustration; illustrator; children's literature; generative artificial intelligence; creative process

Abstract

Regarding the illustrations found in contemporary children's literature—a landscape shaped by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools—a cautious examination of the creative possibilities inherent in their visual conception is warranted. The readership relies on these illustrations to interpret the written narrative, which achieves full meaning through the dialogue mediated by the image. In this context, the figure of the illustrator and their distinctly human presence come to the fore; this text highlights the value of a subjective repertoire as an essential component of creating illustrations for children's literature, analyzing two books—one produced with GenAI and one without.

Author Biographies

  • Maria Clara Marins Rampinelli, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Postgraduate program in arts

    Designer, illustrator, and artist holding a degree in Design from the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), with a research focus on Illustration and Game Design. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Arts at the UFES Graduate Program in Arts (PPGA/UFES).

  • David Ruiz Torres, University of Malaga

    Professor in the Department of Art History at the University of Málaga (Spain) and Professor in the Master's Program in Arts (PPGA) at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES) (2014–2025). Holds a PhD in Arts from the University of Granada (2013) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship (PNPD/CAPES) within the Graduate Program in Arts (Master's level) (2014–2019).

References

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Published

2026-07-30

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 34 (2026)

Section

Seção Temática

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Copyright (c) 2026 Maria Clara Marins Rampinelli, David Ruiz Torres

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How to Cite

RAMPINELLI, M. C. M.; TORRES, D. R. The Role of the Illustrator in the Age of AI: The Importance of Visual, Local, Cultural, and Historical Repertoire in the Creative Process of Children’s Book Illustrations. Farol, v. 22, n. 34, p. 108–125, 30 Jul.2026.