Joca

Author: Bárbara Rocha

Graphic Design: Diego Aguiar Teixeira

This is a children’s book that explores autism and friendship through the story of a boy inspired by the author’s patient, psychologist Bárbara Rocha.

The story begins with a simple behavior common among many autistic children: the fascination with spinning and observing the wheel of a toy car. From this moment, the book invites readers to see the world through Joca’s perspective.

Visual Concept

The visual concept emerges from the circular motion of the toy car wheel, which becomes a recurring graphic element throughout the illustrations.

Shapes and flowing colors connect the scenes and help represent the particular way Joca perceives the world.

Character Design

Initially the protagonist was developed as a more literal interpretation of the author’s patient, but the design was softened, without losing its original essence. From there, additional characters were developed in the same style, also introducing diversity among the children.

Process

After defining the character designs and the visual concept, the storyboard was developed. From there, each scene was sketched and finalized.

Final Illustrations