Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Joe’s serpentine road through college began studying engineering at Cornell and finished with a BFA in illustration from Long Beach State. Only months from leaving school, Joe took his wares to New York and secured a book contract with a publisher after his first meeting --- he’s been illustrating books ever since. Joe is the award-winning illustrator of more than 20 books for children while continuing to create images for magazines and other publications, as well as keeping an eager eye to the ever-evolving landscape of illustration.

A sought-after public speaker to schools and art conferences, Joe relishes every new opportunity to share his experience and advocate for his craft.

Joe is the president of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, SILA.

Joe lives and works in Southern California with his wife and son.

Books by Joe Cepeda

¡Vámonos! Let's Go!

by Rene Colato Lainez and Joe Cepeda - Children's 3-6, Fiction, Picture

Swing Sisters: The Story of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm

Written by Karen Deans with illustrations by Joe Cepeda. - African American Interest, Children's, Children's Nonfiction, History, Inspirational, Nonfiction, Picture, Youth Fiction