Gigi Martinez is an illustrator and graphic designer from Los Angeles. Her playful work draws on bold shapes, color, and a love of storytelling.

For her Zócalo Sketchbook, Martinez celebrates native Southern California animals and plants. The illustrations are, she says, “inspired by the creatures and landscapes I’ve encountered as an L.A. native on hikes and nature walks.”

Using paper cutouts, collage, and colored pencil, Martinez captures the texture and character of the natural world. Notice her euphoric use of color—pink skies, purple fur with red and mustard flecks—and the way her roughly cut shapes integrate photography into the clouds and flowers ornamenting each scene.

Sketchbook, curated by Stefan G. Bucher, features the work of illustrators from around the world.