Google Doodle for Maria Teresa Vera
February 2020
In 2020, I was honored to illustrate the Google Doodle for Maria Teresa Vera’s 125th birthday. She was a Cuban guitarist and singer who defined the island’s trova style.
Born in 1895 in Guanajay, Cuba, Vera became one of the first female “troubadours.” Her music helped to clear the path for the rise of popular Cuban music around the world in the 1930s and 40s. Throughout her career, she recorded close to 200 songs, but those close to her say she could play more than 1,000.
This illustration is influenced by classic pre-modern graphics from Cuban posters and packaging design. These florid images capture and celebrate the island’s distinct culture and natural riches. ¡Feliz cumpleaños, María Teresa Vera!