Brightness Magazine No11

11. What do you do when you run out of ideas and get stuck?

I take a break! It is useless to force inspiration. Being an illustrator is more than just drawing. There are many other things you can do to further your career when you have hit a mental block. I like to read illustrated books, watch animated films, organize items in my Etsy shop, update my website or take photos for my social media. I also spend time looking for publishers and brands to work with, or new artists that I can learn from.

If you feel overwhelmed by being in front of a piece of paper, go for a walk! Maybe you will have a wonderful idea while sitting in a coffee shop, visiting a museum or walking through the countryside. Sometimes inspiration comes right away. Other times it may take a few days before it visits you, but it always comes back!

12. What’s the best thing about being an illustrator?

The best parts of being an illustrator is that I work in the profession I like the most in the world and I can work from home with my cat and a big cup of coffee. Being an illustrator helps me focus more on the beauty around me and cultivate my imagination even as I grow older. Drawing makes me happy, and I want to believe that I can share that happiness with my audience.

13. What are you working on at the moment?

I have a long list of projects in my head. I am working on a series of personal illustrations, so that I can practice working with colors. I really want to become more proficient in that respect.

I am also working on an idea that could become a book. It is still just a small folder full of crazy sketches, but I hope that it will grow little by little. I am not very good with words, but I can tell stories through my illustrations. www.cargocollective.com/claraencinas www.behance.net/claraencinas | 35