About
I’m Mariona Cabassa, born in 1977 in the vibrant city of Barcelona, where I live with my son, Martin.
My journey in art began at Massana Art School and continued with postgraduate studies at l’École des Arts Décoratifs in Strasbourg. For the past 25 years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of book illustration, exploring painting, drawing, and embroidery—both on paper and large-scale fabrics. Around the age of 40, I ventured into tattooing, bringing my artistic visions to life on skin.
Throughout my career, I’ve published nearly 100 books, countless schoolbooks, and illustrated a wide range of products such as puzzles, decorative vinyls, bags, toys, postcards, posters, and wine labels. I’ve also had the pleasure of teaching at several art schools in Barcelona and leading my own workshops.
I am a wanderer at heart, capturing moments through photography, cherishing silence, and finding joy in wide-open spaces and small gatherings. I need big windows to see the sky, hours of solitude, and natural light. I love traveling, spending time with friends, savoring my morning coffee, and swimming every day.
Though I’ve attempted to learn the cello twice without much success, I remain hopeful for another try.
Curiosity drives me, and my love for nature—passed down from a family of gardeners—is reflected in both my work and the gardens I’ve nurtured over the years.
I believe art and creativity are essential tools for everyone, offering a magical way to connect with the world and bring more beauty into it.I hope my work inspires you and brings a touch of magic to your life.
If you’re interested in purchasing one of my large-format pieces, creating a tattoo project together, or organizing a workshop or talk, feel free to get in touch!
The Bright Agency represents me internationally, except in Spain.
SELECTED PUBLISHED BOOKS:
2025: “Music and Silence” Text by Christy Mihaly. Eerdmans Books
2025: “El maravilloso libro de la vida” Text by Soledad Romero. Editorial Litera.
2025: “The Air We Share” Text by Dee Romito. Holiday House (USA).
2024: “La magia de la Gestalt” Text by Quim Mesalles and Yolanda Ramos. Editorial Obelisco.
2024: “Christmas” Text by Jane Bingham. Usborne Books (UK).
2024: “Somos” Text by Soledad Romero. Editorial Juventud.
2024: “Earth Song” Text by Susan Reed. Barefoot Books (USA).
2024: “El maravilloso libro de la muerte” Text by Soledad Romero. Editorial Litera.
2024: “Aurelia and the Storm Cloud” Text by Emmelien Smit. Samsara Books (Netherlands).
2023: “El aleteo de la mariposa” Text by Soledad Romero. Zahorí Books.
2023: “Groc,” “Taronja,” “Vermell” Text by Marta Ardite. Arcoiris Collection. Editorial Juventud.
2023: “Festivals” Text by Jane Bingham. Usborne Books (UK).
2023: “Whatever Comes Tomorrow” Text by Rebecca Gardyn Levington. Barefoot Books (USA).
2022: “Aponi et le peuple minuscule” Text by Bernard Villiot. Éditions de l’Élan Vert (France).
2022: “Blanc,” “Violeta,” “Blau,” “Verd” Text by Marta Ardite. Arcoiris Collection. Editorial Juventud.
2021: “Le chat et l’oiseau” Text by Géraldine Elschner. Éditions de l’Élan Vert (France).
2021: “Opuestos” Text by Soledad Romero. Zahorí Books.
2021: “Francisca” Text by Cristina Oleby. Oleby Editorial.
2021: “Water” Text by Christy Mihaly. Barefoot Books (USA).
Nautilus Gold Winner, 2022; Kirkus Reviews’ 150 Most Anticipated Fall Books, 2021; UN Sustainable Development Goals “Life Below Water” Reading List, 2021; Independent Press Award, Children’s Nonfiction, 2023.
2021: “Les sabates de l’homme heureux” Text by Annelise Heurtier. Éditions Au Vent des Îles (French Polynesia).
2020: “Moby Dick” Adapted by Carmen Gil. Alma Editorial.
2020: “Wetiko y la música del corazón” Text by Carla Trepat. Trepat Editorial.
2020: “El camino” Text by Marisa Núñez. OQO Editorial.
2020: “Al otro lado” Text by Cristina Falcón Maldonado. Akiara Editorial.
2020: “Infinito” Text by Soledad Romero. Zahorí Books. Kiriko Award (Spain).
2020: “El bichito del amor” Text by Eve Aixalà. Editorial Flamboyant.
2020: “Els 100 refranys catalans més animals” Compilation by Mariona Cabassa. Cossetània Edicions.
2020: “Quand la nuit arrive à tâtons” Text by Elisabeth Coudol. Éditions de l’Élan Vert (France).
2020: “A Gift for Amma” Text by Meera Sriram. Barefoot Books (USA).
South Asia Book Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, 2021; Foreword Indies Silver Award, 2021; Cybils Award Nominee, 2021; Bank Street’s Best Children’s Book of the Year, 2021.
2018: “El silencio del corazón” Text by Jorge Zentner. Jaguar Ediciones.
2018: “Querido Yo” Text by Alain Allard. Kireei Editorial.
2018: “Miguel Hernández ilustrado” Editorial La Nube de Papel.
2017: “Manos” and “Flores” Meditaciones. Text by Jorge Zentner. Ediciones B.
2016: “El Día de Ir y Venir” Text by Alain Allard. Fragmenta Editorial.
Junceda Award 2017, Children’s Book Category (Catalan Professional Illustrators Association).
2016: “Los viajes de Ulises” Text by Ricardo Gómez. Editorial Edelvives.
2016: “Poeta eres tú” Text by Juan Carlos Martín Ramos. Editorial Creotz.
2015: “Històries de Nasrudín” Text by Halil Bárcena. Editorial Fragmenta.
Serra d’Or Critic Award for Children’s Literature, 2016 (Spain).
2015: “La flor azul” Text by Antonio Skármeta. Libros del Zorro Rojo.
2014: “Non hai berce coma o colo” (Book + CD) By Paulo Nogueira and Magoia Bodega. Kalandraka Editorial.
2014: “Cómetelo todo” Text by Mar Benegas. Takatuka Editorial.
2013: “Bululú” Text by Beatriz Giménez de Ory. Kalandraka Editorial.
2013: “Babakunde” Text by Annelise Heurtier. Casterman Editorial (France).
2012: “Érase una vez la familia” Text by Anna Gasol & Teresa Blanch. Edebé Editorial.
Selected for White Ravens 2013 (International Youth Library); CCEI Award 2013.
2011: “¿Qué me pasa Ntumba?” Text by Feli Ibáñez. Icaria Editorial & Médicos Sin Fronteras.
2011: “Los caminos de los árboles” Text by Pep Bruno. La Fragatina Editorial.
2010: “La família C” Text by Pep Bruno. Kalandraka Editorial.
3rd International Compostela Illustrated Book Award (Spain).
2010: “Ándate con ojo” Text by Àngels Navarro. Círculo de Lectores–Imaginarium Editorial.
2010: “Epaminondas” Adapted by Pepe Maestro. Edelvives Editorial.
2010: “Una sed de ilusiones infinita” Anthology of Rubén Darío’s poems. Edelvives Editorial.
2009: “La gallina Crestazul” Text by Daniel Nesquens. Castellnou Editorial.
2009: “El somni de l’Amina” Text by Anna Gassol. Baula Editorial.
2009: “Para hacer un pastel de manzana” Text by Pablo Albo. Edelvives Editorial.
2009: “El puchero mágico” Text by Massimo Montanari. Oniro Editorial.
2008: “Katiuskas amarillas” Text by Xabier Mendiguren. Bromera Editorial.
Runner-up Euskadi Award for Children’s Books, 2009 (Spain).
2008: “Adivina adivinanza, tengo un cero en la panza” Text by Àngels Navarro. Anaya Editorial.
Special Mention, Junceda Awards 2009 (Catalan Professional Illustrators Association, Spain).
2006: “Cuentos del cocinero” Text by Jorge Zentner. Círculo de Lectores & Edebé Editorial.
2006: “Libro de contar” Text by Pep Bruno. OQO Editorial.
2005: “25 cuentos populares españoles” Text by José María Guelbenzu. Siruela.
2004: “En creu” Text by Jacint Verdaguer. Cruïlla Editorial.
2004: “Les hauts et les bas de la vie” Text by Carlo Padial. Éditions du Rouergue (France).
2003: “Blobló” Text by Rai Bueno. Kalandraka Editorial.
2003: “Claudia y el toro” Text by Ignacio Sanz. Kalandraka Editorial.
2002: “Mis primeras 80.000 palabras” (collaboration) Mediavaca Editorial.
2002: “Cuento para contar mientras se come un huevo frito” Text by Pep Bruno. Kalandraka Editorial.
Junceda Award 2003, Children’s Book Category (Catalan Professional Illustrators Association, Spain).
OTHER CLIENTS:
PALAU DE LA MÚSICA CATALANA, MUSEU PICASSO, KATIA, IMAGINARIUM, AUDITORI DE BARCELONA, MÉDICOS SIN FRONTERAS, MAGAZINE DE LA VANGUARDIA, REVISTA CAVALL FORT, REVISTA TATANO, REVISTA BARCELONA METRÒPOLIS, BARÇA KIDS, MÓN LLIBRE, NOMON, DESCOBRIR CATALUNYA, MUJER 21, SÀPIENS, CHIE MIHARA, ABACUS, VINILITOS, AJUNTAMENT DE BARCELONA, VINSEUM, DDB, SINTAGMA, REPORTER, FUNDACIÓ LA CAIXA, ENGINY FACTORY, LONDJI CREATIVE TOYS, CANNACTIVA, AURA COMUNICACIÓ, KIREEI, WINE IS SOCIAL, BODEGA ENRIC SOLER, ARTESA WINERY, LICEO FRANCÉS DE BARCELONA, L’ATTITUDE ART, QUARTO, THE ORIGINAL POSTER COMPANY
Copyright © 2025 Mariona Cabassa