Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

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[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 - Join the FREE Discord - Join the Patreon - 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 - Watch on YouTube - Join the FREE Discord - Join the Patreon - 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 - Join the FREE Discord - Join the Patreon - 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 - Watch on YouTube - Join the FREE Discord - Join the Patreon - 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 - Watch on YouTube - Join the FREE Discord - Join the Patreon - 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 - Join the FREE Discord - Join the Patreon - Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok CALLER INFO Caller 01: Lauren RonquilloCaller 02: Natalia Cardona Puerta & Her [DiS] Episode

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 - Watch on YouTube - Join the FREE Discord - Join the Patreon - 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 - Watch on YouTube - Join the FREE Discord - Join the Patreon - Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok - Guest: Follow Andrea on Instagram, TikTok, and her Etsy

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 - Join the Patreon - Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok - Guest: Follow Marlene on Instagram and Shop

In this episode, I'm taking a departure from our usual illustration guests to chat with Tumblr famous video performance artist Amalia Soto aka Molly Soda. Molly works primarily with non-physical mediums publishing videos, photos, and streaming her work across the internet at large. She uses her digital performance work to reflect on the ways we all engage and perform online despite our obsession for authenticity. Keep on listening to hear her talk about her relationship with her Puerto Rican identity, how she feels about the evolution of performing online, and the nostalgia that comes with working with such quick-paced tech. EPISODE LINKS - Join the FREE Discord - Join the Patreon - Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok - Guest: Follow Molly Soda on Instagram, Tumblr, and her Website.

In this episode, I answer your calls! We've got such amazing questions for our first mini-episode, if you want to have your questions answered next — call (305) 985-3729. EPISODE LINKS - Watch this Episode on YouTube - Join the FREE Discord - Join the Patreon - Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok - Danny Brito Episode & Instagram - Hallye Webb Website

In this episode, I chat with Argentinian illustrator, painter, graphic designer Sebastian Curi. Sebastian works in a pop style using cartoonish figures, playful compositions and bright colors to depict every day. Since he recently collaborated on a clothing collection with Zara and has worked with clients like Apple, Spotify and many more. Keep on listening to hear him talk about growing up in a working class family in Buenos Aires, dropping out of college not once, but three times, and how he made a name for himself through his personal art practice. EPISODE LINKS - Watch this Episode on YouTube - Join the FREE Discord - Join the Patreon - Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok - Guest: Follow Sebastian Curi on Instagram

Two major new show updates! Listen to this episode to find out why: 1. Call me with your questions at (305) 985-3729 2. Join the FREE discord at drawsinspanish.com/chat

In this episode, I chat with Chilean Motion Graphic Designer and Illustrator Cristobal Saez. Cristo was raised in Chile and eventually made his way to New York City to attend FIT where he studied graphic design. He quickly realized that branding and logo work just wasn't for him and started creating illustrated GIFs of pop culture moments on his off time. But it was through his work creating this digital fan art that he was able to land a role at a record label creating content and now works at Universal producing visual content for artists such as Beyonce, Adele, and Lil Nas X. Keep on listening to hear us talk about why he chose to move to the US, his experience creating viral fan art, and his advice for breaking into the music industry today. EPISODE LINKS - Watch this Episode on YouTube - Join the Patreon - Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok - Guest: Follow Cristo on Instagram and TikTok

In this episode, I chat with Colombian Creative Director and Illustrator Daniela Jordan-Villaveces. Daniela is a US and Colombian Dual Citizen who was raised in Colombia up until high school before moving to Naples, FL. Her work injects joy and happiness through her use of punchy bold colors and vivid patterns. Keep on listening to hear us chat about Daniela’s international upbringing, why she majored in Printmaking at OCAD, and how she became a Creative Director. EPISODE LINKS - Watch this Episode on Youtube (Premiering at 5pm ET) - Support [Draws in Spanish] on Patreon - Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok - Guest: Follow Daniela on Instagram and view her website TOPICS COVERED:

In this episode, I chat with Mexican & Salvadorian American illustrator Iliana Galvez. Iliana is a Latinx illustrator born and raised in the San Fernando Valley who creates bright, bold, and unapologetic art celebrating people of all sizes. Her work is extremely empowering and unapologetic and she really creates work that uplifts black and brown femmes. Keep on listening to hear us chat about Iliana's complicated family dynamic, how she decided to quit her career as a nurse aide to be an artist, struggling with imposter syndrome, and her routine to stay creative, especially during the winter season. EPISODE LINKS - Watch this Episode on Youtube (Premiering at 5pm ET) - Support [Draws in Spanish] on Patreon - Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok - Guest: Follow Iliana on Instagram, visit her website, join her patreon

In this episode, I chat with Mexican-American interdisciplinary artist and oral historian Tamara Santibañez. Tamara is a queer and trans artist whose work is rooted in storytelling and the visual language of identity construction, exploring subcultural semiotics and the meanings we make from bodily adornment. Listen to this episode to hear us chat about how their immigrant mother felt about their choice to go into tattooing, why they chose to pursue a Master's in Oral History, and what you should consider before entering the tattooing field. EPISODE LINKS - Watch this Episode on Youtube (Premiering at 5pm ET) - Support [Draws in Spanish] on Patreon - Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok - Guest: Follow Tamara on Instagram, subscribe to their newsletter, visit their website

In this episode, I chat with Mexican-American illustrator Marisol Muro. Marisol is an LA-county-born and raised illustrator who creates 60 & 70s inspired illustrations that just take you back in time into a retro world full of kitschy imagery and nostalgic color palettes. Marisol originally went to school for Fashion Design and worked in the Fast-Fashion industry for 12 years before ditching her 9-to-5 to freelance as an illustrator in 2020. I had so much fun chatting with Marisol all about her relationship with the term “Mexican-American”, why it took her so long to leave her stable career, and how she landed her collaboration with Pleasing — Harry Styles’ beauty brand. EPISODE LINKS - Watch this Episode on Youtube - Support [Draws in Spanish] on Patreon - Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok - Guest: Follow Marisol on Instagram and view her Shop EPISODE NOTES

In this episode, I chat with Argentinean illustrator, writer, and comic artist Eugenia Viti. Eugenia lives in Chicago with her husband and toddler, while working as an artist and a part-time HR rep. She's been published in The New Yorker and is the author of Be Pregnant: An Illustrated Companion for Moms-to-Be. I'm so excited for this conversation, so keep on listening to hear us talk about growing up with hard-to-pronounce Latina names, her complex family immigration story, and how she broke into the New Yorker comics scene. EPISODE LINKS - Watch this Episode on Youtube - Support [Draws in Spanish] on Patreon - Host: Follow Fabiola on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok - Guest: Follow Eugenia Viti on Instagram - View Episode Transcript & Extended Notes EPISODE NOTES If you dread explaining how to pronounce your name to people, you’re going to feel right at home with this episode! In this episode, I chat with Argentinean Illustrator and Cartoonist Eugenia Lazo. Off the bat, Eugenia and I bond over having tough-to-pronounce English names that are actually really normal and common in Spanish-speaking countries. To those with easily English-ified names, it may seem like a petty conversation, but your name really impacts your everyday identity and how you see yourself in the world. Aside from discussing our “weird” names, we also chat about how she took her love for cartoons into a full-fledged creative career once she realized that her illustrations could be strengthened if she paired them with her writing. With a push from her creative friends, she was able to eventually get published in The New Yorker, one of the most prestigious publications for cartooning. Nowadays, Eugenia has a part-time role in HR and regularly contributes to The New Yorker. Her work is witty, quirky, and a little out there but so fun and vulnerable. Tune into this episode to hear Eugenia and I talk about growing up with hard-to-pronounce Latina names, her complex family immigration story, and how she broke into the New Yorker comics scene despite feeling unprepared. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or on your favorite podcast platform.