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Born
David Diaz was born in New York City. -
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Childhood
He grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. -
Discovering his Passion
Diaz specifically recalls the moment he wanted to become a "drawer". In the first grade he filled out a vowel worksheet, which included an illustration of a nose. He drew the rest of the face, connecting to the nose, and decided this is what he wanted to do for life. -
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High School Art Career
A supportive high school teacher helped David Diaz enter into contests during his formative years. Diaz gained confidence in his art as he attained success in these competitions. -
Death of Mother
His mother passed away when he was 16, after always having been skeptical of art as a career path for her son.
He has stated that,
"My mother formed my life in many ways."
Art became an important emotional outlet for Diaz. -
Graduation
Diaz graduated highschool. -
Graduation from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
Diaz finished at the two-year design school he attended straight out of high school. -
Diaz Icon
David Diaz opened his own design and illustration studio called "Diaz Icon", after moving to Southern California. -
Smoky Night
Diaz had begun focusing on children's illustrations a few years prior, but after editor Diane D'Andrade noticed the book covers that Diaz had done so many of, she gave him the opportunity to illustrate the book "Smoky Night", which was based on the Los Angeles street riots, and written by Eve Bunting. -
Caldecott Award & School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
David Diaz won first place for the Caldecott Medal, as well as Best Book of the Year from School Library Journal, both awarded for his work for Smoky Night, published a year prior. -
"Going Home"
David Diaz's first art exhibition was held by the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, in Abilene, Texas. This exhibition was called, "Going Home". -
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Runner Up for Pura Belpre Award
David Diaz was a runner up for the Pura Belpre Award in 2004 for The Pot That Juan Built, in 2006 for ¡Si, Se Puede! Yes, We Can!, and in 2010 for "Diego: Bigger Than Life". -
Parents' Choice Award
In 2009, Diaz won the Parents' Choice Award for his work on the picture book, "Ocean's Child". -
"Golden Kite, Golden Dream. Celebrating the Art of the Golden Kite Award"
Diaz's second art exhibition was hosted by the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, Abilene, Texas. This was called "Golden Kid, Golden Dream. Celebrating the Art of the Golden Kite".
