Meet The Artist: Sumbo Pinheiro

Written by
Fiona Cambridge
Published on
April 17, 2023

What inspired you to become an artist, and when did you first realise that you wanted to pursue this career path?

As a writer, I was surrounded by a lot of artists who influenced me with their designs. A lot of them inspired me to find fun ways to illustrate my words and this led me to learn calligraphy first, and then hand lettering.

What are some of your favourite materials and mediums to work with, and why do you prefer them?

I enjoy working with calligraphy ink and nib, watercolour, and also Procreate.

How would you describe your artistic style, and how has it evolved over time?

I would call my style very minimal; however, it has evolved over time to be bolder and fun.

What themes or ideas do you explore in your artwork, and why are they important to you?

I love working with fun and relatable quotes because there are times when life gets a bit hard and you just need to laugh.

Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial concept to the finished piece?

It depends on the theme of the design. However, I always start with a sketch to see what works, I add illustrations where possible and decide on the layout. After that I write out the words with my calligraphy nib or I create the lettering with procreate.

What challenges have you faced in your artistic career, and how have you overcome them?

I have struggled with being consistent because I also have a full-time job which is hard to balance. However, I always try to dedicate as much time as I can to art because it is my safe space.

Who are some artists or other creative figures that have influenced your work, and how have they inspired you?

A lot of artists inspire me such as: @frannerd, Molly Suber Thorpe, Postman's Knock, Lauren Hom, Mary-Kate McDevitt. Even though they are all different, each artist inspires me in different aspects such as colour, illustration, calligraphy, and more.

Margarita Art Print - shop here

How do you stay motivated and inspired when you hit a creative block or rough patch?

This is hard. I try to go back to some of my old ideas, I look through some of my old sketches or I also look at some books to inspire me. In the past, I would look at other people's work but this would make me feel worse about myself because I wasn't creating 'awesome' work like the people online. Now, I know to just chill a bit and look at things I enjoy.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out on their artistic journeys?

Throughout my art journey, I have discovered many artists and have wanted to be like them. But what I found out was I was much better and happier when I created things from my own point of view. Yes, you can take inspiration from others, but make it yours and do it in your own style.

What are your goals for your art in the future, and where do you see your career going in the next few years?

I want to create more personal projects and do more fun work. I hope that in the next few years I can earn a living from doing something that I really enjoy.

What's your favourite piece that you sell on Fy! and why?

My favourite piece is the 'What goes around' quote because I created this before the pandemic and it kind of came true!

Which other artists on the Fy! platform do you love?

There are a lot of awesome artists on Fy!, so this is a bit hard. However, I do love the work by Nour Tohme and 83 Oranges

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?

There is so much noise in our world today that I hope my work brings bit of a break and laughter to people at home or wherever they encounter my work.

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