Q&A with Illustrator Brenda Figueroa

• What types of children’s books did you read as a child? Were any your favorites?

The first children’s books Iread when I was very little were the classic fairy tales. I loved to look atthe pictures over and over, and my favorites were Snow White, Tom Thumb andHansel and Gretel. When I turned five my father gave me an illustratedthesaurus that I loved to read as well. I think images were always a veryimportant part of my reading process. When I was a bit older I loved to read Little Women, Tom Sawyer, Uncle Tom’s Cabin,Michael Strogoff, Robinson Crusoe…, and I also liked to read poetry, mythsand legends from around the world!

• Take us a bit into your creative process; what illustration art medium and tools do you use?

I try to take my sketchbookeverywhere I go, and it’s funny how some of the greatest ideas I have, areconceived during daily short train journeys or in waiting rooms! No matter howI will do the final artwork, I usually start sketching on a sketchbook withsoft lead color pencil or a ballpoint pen. Until not so long ago I used to workmostly digital, but lately I like to do the work line traditionally with pencilor ballpoint pen, and then add color digitally. The software I use is AdobeIllustrator, Photoshop, Affinity Designer and Procreate, and the tools I useare a 13” Cintiq Wacom + iMac or my 9.7” iPad. For personal projects -or when Iwant to take a break from the computer-, I like experimenting with traditionaltechniques, such as: color pencils, gouache, watercolor, acrylics, markers, ballpointpens and papercut.

• Have you always used this style of art or do you plan to explore other mediums of art?

It usually depends on the project, and deadlines are crucialwhen choosing the medium, but when it’s possible, I love exploring newtechniques!

• How long have you been an illustrator?

I had just finished College,when I got my first job as an illustrator in a newspaper in my homeland, ElSalvador, but I only worked there for a few months, before I jumped into theadvertising world, as a graphic designer. It wasn’t until 2011 when I got the chanceto work again on an illustration project, and became a full time illustrator in2013.

• What do you enjoy most about illustrating, and, what is your dream for illustrating?

I enjoy sharing my inner world through my work, and also loveit when people feel connected to it. It’s like magic! I also dream of writingand illustrating my own stories.

• Have you authored or collaborated on any books, if so, what are they?

I have illustrated several books, some of them in Spain and this year I illustrated Dazzling Travis, my first book for the US market, published by Cardinal Rule Press. At the moment I’m working on a couple of projects that will be published in the US next year, but I can’t give more details for now!

• In our digital age, how important are children’s books to you?

I believe children’s books represent one of the greatest tools to convey knowledge to children; they are a way to provide the first sensory and cultural experiences, that may be enjoyed not only individually, but also as a shared experience with the parents, siblings, friends or classmates.

• If you could be ANY character in a book, what would it be and why?

I’ve always felt connected to Josephine (Jo) March from Little Women. She’s spirited, generous,creative, brave, faithful, passionate about everything she does. She’s aromantic and an idealist and I think I’m a lot like her. Plus, she’s an artistwho fights for her dreams, and I think there’s nothing better than keeping thefaith and fighting for what you want.

• How do you deal with artist’s block if so?

This might sound cliché, but going for a walk or changing of activity helps a lot when I have a creative block. Also searching for inspiration in the work of artists I admire, looking through my favorite books, is a great help. Sometimes the technical restrictions or challenges in a project shouldn’t be seen as limitations, but as opportunities to unleash creativity!

Brenda Figueroa was born in El Salvador, a land of volcanoes, coffee plantations and bright blue skies. She’s a graphic designer and worked in advertising for some years before becoming a full-time illustrator. She lives in Madrid with her husband, and loves learning foreign languages, collecting coffee mugs, cute stickers and Christmas decorations, and in her spare time she enjoys cooking, playing Scrabble or watching a movie.