Fatinha Ramos Shines Bright With Two Major Illustration Awards!
The Directory of Illustration is thrilled to celebrate Fatinha Ramos, whose striking illustration for the Anne Frank Museum has earned top industry honors from Communication Arts and American Illustration — a true testament to her artistry and powerful storytelling.
“This illustration is more than an image; it’s a symbol of how creativity can be both an offering and a form of recovery.”
We’re thrilled to share some wonderful news: Fatinha Ramos’ poignant illustration for the Anne Frank Museum has received two major accolades — an Excellence Award in Communication Arts’ Illustration Annual 66, and a winner selection in the American Illustration AI44 Annual Exhibition.
This deeply moving piece was created for Pen-and-Inklings, a special edition of Anne Frank’s short stories featuring the work of 46 international illustrators, marking what would have been her 95th birthday. Fatinha’s illustration depicts a quiet moment in the Secret Annex — a simple task of peeling potatoes that unfolds into a surprising discussion about gender roles.
What makes this recognition even more meaningful is that Fatinha created the piece while still recovering from a serious injury. Though not yet accepting commissions at the time, she chose to take on this project — not just as a professional challenge, but as a personal tribute to Anne Frank’s legacy.
These awards honor not only the strength of the image itself, but also the emotional depth and resilience behind it. We’re proud to celebrate this recognition with Fatinha and deeply moved by the story behind her work.
Created in the midst of her own personal challenge, this piece radiates quiet strength, empathy, and grace — a testament not only to Anne Frank’s enduring voice, but also to Fatinha’s resilience as an artist.
This illustration is more than an image; it’s a symbol of how creativity can be both an offering and a form of recovery. We are incredibly honored to share this work — and the story behind it — with immense admiration for Fatinha’s talent, vulnerability, and spirit.
> This artwork is available for purchase at the Anne Frank Museum and online HERE <
ABOUT THE ARTIST: Fatinha is an award-winning illustrator and visual artist based in Antwerp and originally from Portugal. After working in art direction and design for twelve years, she took a giant leap and followed her dream, working full-time as an illustrator.
Fatinha’s work has appeared all over the world and she has received numerous awards, including the Society of Illustrators NY, 3×3 Magazine, Communication Arts, Global Illustration Award, White Ravens and she was the overall winner of the World Illustration Awards 2021.
Fatinha was also the amazing cover artist of the Directory of Illustration No. 38! We sat down with her for an interview to learn about her creative process behind her beautiful cover design. The theme for DI38 is “Lead With Love,” in celebration of inclusivity, diversity and embracing a better and brighter future. Fatinha brought this theme to life with her use of rich color, light and dark contrasts, bold shapes and her dynamic compositions. You can read the full interview with Fatinha here.
