What inspired you to become an artist, and when did you first realise that you wanted to pursue this career path? Since I was a little girl, I was passionated about creating Art (drawing, painting, crafts etc). I remember to start selling some handmade greeting cards in crafts fairs when I was a kid. And Arts were always on my paths... I studied a tehcnical high school of Architecture Drawing, after I got graduated in Arts and also in Pedagogy at the University. I worked as teacher and pedagogical coordinator for almost 10 years and after I decided to pursue a career as full time illustrator, a dream that become true about 6 years ago when I started to be an illustrator represented by The Bright Agency. What are some of your favourite materials and mediums to work with, and why do you prefer them? I was always a traditional medium lover. I usually used watercolors, pencil, coloured pencils, gouache etc... but when I decided to work as Illustrator, the digital medium become my main medium. Now I'm totally passionated about the possibilities of digital artwork. All my current illustrations are made digitally, but always trying to keep a "traditional medium" look/ aesthetic. How would you describe your artistic style, and how has it evolved over time? I think my artwork style is always evolving and I love to see that. I can describe my artworks as very joyful, colorful and cute. The most part of my illustrations have cute characters (specially animals) and also a bit of humour. I do love to create cute and fun illustrations that make people smile and feel happier. What themes or ideas do you explore in your artwork, and why are they important to you? I do love creating artworks that touch people's hearts and make them feel happier. The world is so crazy right now that I think that my contribution as an artist is to bring more joy and hope to people's lives by my artworks. I usually create cute and funny characters, in very differente situations, specially animals. Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial concept to the finished piece? I like to take notes of the ideas that I have along the day. After I select some and start sketching them (currently I do it digitally too, but sometimes still on the paper, on my sketchbook). After I'm happy with the sketch, I go to the colouring process, always checking with the colors are matching well and expressing the idea I want to give to people. I add some details and textures e voi lá! It's done! :) All digitally. What challenges have you faced in your artistic career, and how have you overcome them? To be an artist is not easy, but I can't see myself far fro Art again. It's my biggest passion. I think the most challenger in art career is that sometimes it's not so valued career. Some people usually think it's easy, but it's not. Every single artwork is a result of years of study, research, trials, experiments, hours and hours of fully dedication etc. And inspiration doesn't become as easy as it sounds. Somedays we really struggle to create something that we are really satisfied about it. But how I'm completely passionated about it, I never gave up on my dream of becoming an illustrator and even the challenges appeared, I faced them with joy, confindence and passion. I do believe that when we do what we love, it appears in our work. So all hard work worths it. Who are some artists or other creative figures that have influenced your work, and how have they inspired you? Ohh, hard question, because there's so many amazing artists! I think some that always inspired me, not just because I love their paintings style but also for their brave and important role in the Art History, were the impressionists like Monet and Renoir. They revolutionated Art, going to outdoors, using colors as shadows too, creating a new way to portrait life on painting. They are my favourite artists so far. How do you stay motivated and inspired when you hit a creative block or rough patch? Creative blocks are very common. I try to keep myself confident and sketching... taking notes of ideas.... the inspiration comes back. Sometimes it takes more time than I would like to, but I use this time to study and try different things. I always stay motivated to keep doing what I do because it's my biggest love.My really true love in life. What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out on their artistic journeys? Don't give up on your dreams. You'll hear many people saying you're crazy, but if you really like it, keep doing it. Practice every single day, because it makes total difference in your art style evolution. What are your goals for your art in the future, and where do you see your career going in the next few years? I have many goals! But some are about publishing my own books, as author and illustrator, and also seeing my characters becoming animations, toys etc. I do want to see my artworks becoming popular worldwide. What's your favourite piece that you sell on Fy! and why? My penguins artworks and also "Koi Carps". My penguins because they are my passion and I have many plans for them. Koi Carps because it's a painting that I was very proud about because they become really beautiful, even more for someone that in the past couldn't imagine painting on digital. Which other artists on the Fy! platform do you love? Ohhh, there's so many talented people on Fy! It's hard to pick just a few ones. Can you share with us a favourite piece of art from another artist and tell us why you love it? (please ensure the artwork is available on Fy!) How do you see your art contributing to the wider cultural conversation, and what message or themes do you hope to convey through your work? I like to promote hope, kindness and love in all my artworks. I do believe in Art as an instrument to bring more peace and hope for people's lives. What advice do you have for aspiring artists who are just starting out in their careers? Practicing everyday. Studying a lot. Never give up on your dreams. 16. Our shoppers love to buy multiple pieces to create Gallery walls, can you suggest any other art prints on Fy! which you feel compliment yours? 17. Tell us about the artwork you hang in your own home and how this fits into your interior style? 18. Where is your artwork best suited in a home? Do you love making prints for big bright hallway spaces or cosy bedroom corners? I believe that my gallery on Fy! has diversified artworks that suits perfectly many spaces in the house. Some are more related to kids rooms or nursery, but others can be great in living rooms, kitchens and all sort of house spaces.
