Dear [Draws in Spanish] Listeners
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Did you ever feel like you didn’t fit in with the Latinx kids at your school? This week’s guest experienced just that after moving from Tijuana to San Diego for her Sophomore year of high school.
In this episode, I chat with Mexican illustrator and designer Itzel Islas who’s worked with brands like Nickelodeon, GoFundMe, and for her own brand @YAYITZEL.
Itzel never wanted to leave Tijuana, but now she’s so thankful her parents made that decision when she was just in high school. She had a hard time adjusting to American life to the point where even the automatic sprinklers made her mad, but now she can’t imagine her life being any other way. Thankfully, since they moved right over the border to San Diego, she’s always managed to feel very connected to her Mexican heritage and grew up constantly going back and forth across the border.
Nowadays, Itzel is a self-employed graphic designer and illustrator who creates amazing bilingual products inspired by her Mexican culture. Despite originally having doubts about creating products in two languages — and sometimes even in Spanglish — now she recognizes it’s the best decision she could’ve made.
Tune into this episode to hear Itzel and I talk all about her artsy emo days in high school, how her mom helped her discover the field of Graphic Design, and how she decided to create bilingual products to stay true to herself.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Guest Links: Itzel’s online shop, portfolio, Instagram, and TikTok!
Host Links: Follow Fabiola Lara on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube!
Free Download: Listeners of the podcast can get a free, undated weekly and monthly planner inspired by the show from our website here.
Topics Covered:
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Listen to Extended Episodes on Patreon.com/DrawsInSpanish
[SEASON 2 FINALE] In this mini episode, I'm excited to share with you the concept of "niche-ing down" as an artist. Have you ever struggled to find your focus as a creative? Do you feel like you're trying to appeal to everyone and ending up pleasing no one? Then this episode is for you! I'll be exploring the benefits and drawbacks of niche-ing down, and sharing tips on how to find your own niche as an artist. Plus, I'll introduce an alternative concept that will inspire you to "be your own niche". So grab a notebook, hit play, and let's find you a niche — or three!
Don't forget to subscribe to the show on YouTube and follow me on Instagram and TikTok. And if you want to connect with other Latinx artists and join our co-working sessions, head to drawsinspanish.com/chat. Thanks for listening!
EPISODE LINKS
- Watch this Episode on YouTube
- Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
In this episode, I'm talking to Egyptian and Cuban American street artist Symone Salib. Symone is a Philadelphia-based artist that I connected with here, and i'm so thrilled to bring this conversation to you all.
Through acrylic paint and illustration, Symone works to highlight the lives of people, with an emphasis on Black Indigenous People of Color across Philadelphia since 2017. She focuses on vibrantly sharing the stories of people in hopes we can connect and resonate with humans who are different from ourselves. She strives to spread joy and create a space where people are not only seen but heard.
Keep listening to discover how she unexpectedly became an artist, her debut street art creation, and her mural preparation process.
EPISODE LINKS
- Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
- Guest: Follow Symone on Instagram
On today's Minisode, I'm talking about collaboration — something that's super important but overlooked by artists! I've collaborated with a lot of artists through the podcast, and I wanted to share my four stages of collaboration with you all. First up, we have outreach — make sure you're genuine friends with the person you want to work with, or at least interact with them like a real friend would. Next, ideation — come up with an idea that's fun and fair for both sides, and make sure it aligns with both of your values. Then, collaborating — make sure the workload is equal and set a timeline that works for both of you. Finally, publishing and promoting - promote the project together and always give credit where it's due. I hope this episode inspires you to collaborate with your art pals, and if you have any questions about collaborations then please call or text me at 305-985-3729 with your follow-up questions and I'll answer them in the next episode.
Don't forget to subscribe to the show on YouTube and follow me on Instagram and TikTok. And if you want to connect with other Latinx artists and join our co-working sessions, head to drawsinspanish.com/chat. Thanks for listening!
EPISODE LINKS
- Watch this Episode on YouTube
- Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
In this episode, i'm talking with Venezuelan illustrator Andrea Caceres. Andrea is both an illustrator and Art Director based in New York City. She's illustrated children's books, comics, and textile designs for brands like Microsoft, Snapchat, and JCrew. She got her start sharing dog illustrations on her instagram with her "a dog a day keeps the stress away" series. This year she's also releasing her debut picture book MY DOG JUST SPEAKS SPANISH which is now available for pre-order and releasing on May 9, 2023.
Keep on listening to hear her share why she went to school for civil engineering, how she moved to the U.S. as a student, and how she landed her first agent for her first ever picture book.
EPISODE LINKS
- Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
- Guest: Follow Andrea Caceres and read My Dog Just Speaks Spanish
It's the first crossover episode! Today on the show, Raúl Pardo and Iván Mayorquín are tuning in from Ciudad de Mexico and i'm super excited to share this conversation with you. In case you're not familiar, Raúl & Iván host a podcast called Grupo de Autoayuda de Dibujo which is available on YouTube and Spotify and everywhere else you get podcasts! I love their show bc it's a self-help podcast where they chat about different creative topics that plague artists. In their episodes, They cover topics such as keeping a creative routine, how to have effective client meetings, tips for getting comissions, and so much more.
Keep on listening to hear Raúl and Iván share how they got their start with illustration, how they feel about the word Latine, and how they collaborate!
EPISODE LINKS
- Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
- Guest: Follow Grupo De Autoayuda de Dibujo with Iván Mayorquín and Raúl Pardo
In this episode, I answer your calls about why I make the show, what i've learned about myself, and a few tips for diversifying your revenue streams as an artist! If you want to have your questions answered next — call or text (305) 985-3729.
EPISODE LINKS
- Watch this Episode on YouTube
- Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
CALLER INFO
In this episode, I'm speaking with Puerto Rican brand designer, lettering artist, and illustrator Carlos Oliveras Colom. Carlos is a queer artist that was born on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico and brings to life letters and illustrations that are fuller than life. His expressive style is meant to be seen, but also felt. His work is rooted in equality, and the desire to represent for the underdogs while also exploring his passion for colors and shapes across different mediums.
Keep on listening to hear us talk about why he chose to leave the island, if art school is worth it after all, and how his personal projects fueled his freelance career!
EPISODE LINKS
- Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
- Guest: Follow DonCarrrlos on Instagram
In this episode, I'm talking to Mexican paper artist Andrea Cira based in Kansas City. Andrea designs and cuts together vibrant and intricate compositions that are infused with her Mexican culture. She's currently working an a paper cut project where she redesigns the Loteria images with her papercut creations. She's worked with brands like Starbucks and United Way, so she definitely has experience bringing her paper cut creations to both personal and commercial projects.
Keep on listening to hear us talk about how she landed in Kansas City, how she juggles her full time job with her freelance career, and her process for filming engaging TikToks & Reels to grow her channels.
EPISODE LINKS
In this episode, I'm chatting with self-proclaimed "part-time" Mexican-American artist Marlene Vega! Marlene actually has a master's degree in physics, but found her way back into art after graduation. She started off painting watercolor pieces just three years ago as a hobby and now has an amazing online shop and over 95,000 Instagram followers. She shares her artistic career online while having a day job, and she's the perfect inspiration for anyone who is just starting out or feeling a little stuck in their career right now.
Keep on listening to hear us talk about why she decided not to go to art school, how she got comfortable making video content as an introvert, and how she deals with the feeling of being "behind."
EPISODE LINKS
- Watch on YouTube
- Join the FREE Discord
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