Can you tell us a bit about your journey as a creative? How did you start in illustration?
I’ve been drawing since I could hold a crayon, but my professional journey began 10 years ago. After studying Architecture and Urbanism in Brazil, I moved to Barcelona for a master’s in art, design, and public space, which led to a street art startup. Meanwhile, I fell in love with Spain and needed a visa to stay, so I took up studying applied mural arts. This unlocked my creative voice after being dormant for years and I soon realized I wanted to fully focus on making my own art instead of only supporting others. While rapidly careening into burnout from juggling the startup project, studies, and an internship, I had a lightning-strike moment — I could make a living as an illustrator! It took time to find my style, build a portfolio, and make industry connections. I had a burning passion and a clear vision and, eventually, I went full-time freelance—and never looked back.
How has your style evolved and changed over time? Do you actively shape it or is it changing organically?
My style has changed a lot over the years and grown to accommodate more strands of the visual arts. It’s always been an organic process. I used to compare myself to illustrators who have an absolutely consistent style, thinking my shape-shifting or curiosity about other mediums was a problem, but you know what? I realised that’s just part of my identity as a creative — and my identity in general (hello Gemini sun & midheaven) — and that this is absolutely fine. I understood that whatever I make, there is a clear link between things: usually line, shape and colour. I am ever evolving, ever growing. So why not reflect that in my creative work?
How do you find and connect with clients? Do you rely on social media, networking, or other platforms? How do you promote your work?
It’s a mixture of 1:1 prospecting new clients, maintaining relationships with existing ones, working with agents and their network, participating in exhibitions, recommendations from other fellow illustrators, of course social media, and in a wider sense – just having my work online and offline. There is definitely an element to it which is simply putting the work out there and flowing with the mysterious ways of the universe, because you never know how your work may fall in front of the right eyes at the right time.
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“In terms of starting to make an income, writing a well-considered email to the right type of person (commissioner) goes so much further than making work for competitions and open calls, though both are important. Understanding that we are not enterprises within a capitalist system, only meant to keep growing and making more money each year is key; it’s okay to have highs and lows, life is cyclical and so is the industry. Surround yourself with community, you are not alone and we are the more powerful for sharing our resources with each other, be it time, contacts, clients, stories or recommendations.”
Do you work independently or collaborate with an agent, agency, or other creatives? Why did you choose this setup?
All of the above at different points in my career. I am currently working independently, but also with agents in different territories, and participating more in community with other fellow illustrators. I also have relationships with lots of agents that don’t represent me and who are always happy to offer guidance and sometimes projects. I think it’s important to diversify the streams from which the opportunities come from, and most of all to remember the agency we have as individuals.
What is the most challenging part of being an illustrator/graphic designer/photographer for you?
The inconsistency of work can be quite challenging. I’ve been good at preparing for and handling it over the years, but I think we have all suffered contractions in this industry recently, which has been incredibly challenging financially at times, and led me to burn out badly in 2022. The economic factor has then augmented other challenges for me, like the isolation of working alone and the inevitable comparison trap when spending any amount of time on social media. In 2024 I birthed my daughter, and it was my slowest work year to date. I’ve had to dig pretty deep not to let this consume me emotionally – detaching my sense of self-worth as a human and as a creative professional from the amount of money I make has been one of the most important things for my mental health recently.
Looking back, what advice or knowledge would have made all the difference or would have helped you a lot in the beginning of your career?
In terms of starting to make an income, writing a well-considered email to the right type of person (commissioner) goes so much further than making work for competitions and open calls, though both are important. Understanding that we are not enterprises within a capitalist system, only meant to keep growing and making more money each year is key; it’s okay to have highs and lows, life is cyclical and so is the industry. Surround yourself with community, you are not alone and we are the more powerful for sharing our resources with each other, be it time, contacts, clients, stories or recommendations.
If your design style were a playlist, what would the first three tracks be, and why?
Ooh, great question! “Hold On” by Little Dragon, “Casio” by Jungle and “Energy” by Beyoncé.
Do you have any resources that everyone should know about?
Rocket Reach and Hunter.io are great tools for finding the contact information of art directors, art buyers and other commissioners. Notion and the systems it provides are essential for me to keep my work and personal life organised, especially as a new mother and someone in the spectrum of ADHD, likewise an organised Google Calendar or similar. Having a scrappy, self-teaching attitude goes a long way, and whatever I can’t learn on Youtube tutorials, I will probably head to Domestika for really affordable courses.
What are 3-5 links of things that have recently inspired you, made you think about things more deeply or you just feel incredibly entertained by!
I love psychology and self-knowledge tools, like astrology, Human Design and Tarot. These links let you play around with that info in a fun, accessible way.
I’m currently deep into the reading of the iconic book Women Who Run With The Wolves, which has been life-changing. It’s an incredibly profound dive, but I find it essential reading for any person, not just women.
For motion graphics stuff, I’ve been feeling inspired by the ideas popping up from browsing Motion Array website, it’s cool to download the preview files for free and play around with them!
In your opinion: who are the 2 most underrated creatives right now that you think need more attention and eyes on their work?
Lucas Dias is an incredible photographer, performer, poet and healer from Brazil. His groundbreaking work lies in the intersection of queerness, transformation, and nature.
Marta Ribas is an artist, illustrator, weaver and designer from Barcelona. Everything she makes is impeccable, and I’m obsessed with the apparel she creates for clothing brand Thinking Mu.
