Hello,

I’m Rosário Durão, a digital illustrator based in Portugal.

I create whimsical, mostly female characters that bring to life the strength, diversity, and rich stories of women of all ages and from all places.

My work caters to clients in advertising, editorial, publishing, and art licensing, offering versatile and engaging illustrations tailored to their needs.

Driven by a passion for women’s issues, I prioritize their resilience, individuality, and the beauty found in everyday moments—whether joyful, calm, melancholic, or shaped by pain. My characters celebrate women as they are, embracing their strength and vulnerability alike.

My process begins with the eyes and head, the first features I notice in people. These focal points, exaggerated, reflect the emotions and narratives that define my art.

Illustration began as a hobby when I returned home from teaching visual and technical communication to STEM students in the U.S. Over time, teaching lost its spark, and I yearned for a more hands-on creative outlet. After the pandemic, I returned to Portugal to pursue a career in illustration.

Exploring azulejo painting, photography, and editorial design helped shape my artistic journey, but nothing resonated like my ‘girls.’ These characters became a powerful way to tell stories that celebrate women—not just their joy and curiosity but also their strength, struggles, and vulnerabilities.

Today, my illustrations aim to evoke curiosity and emotion, inviting viewers into narratives that are both engaging and authentic.

My goal is to create art that inspires, resonates, and brings delight, while also honoring the complexities of women’s lives.