CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
MF: To tell you the truth I have never thought about characterizing my style just because it is still evolving and changing. But if I had to attach some words to it, I would say it is always character based and narrative. I always try to tell a story with an illustration.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
MF: When drawing personal illustrations a lot of times I get inspiration from watching movies, anime, reading books, poetry, hiking in nature, hanging out with friends, etc. But if I’m drawing an editorial illustration for a client, I try to find a balance between my way of interpreting the topic and the client’s point of view on it.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
MF: Somebody asked me that a while ago and I think my process hasn’t changed since then. I usually start with arranging my workplace, than bringing some tea and coffee into the scenario. 🙂 I usually think about the whole project before starting to draw it on paper. I ask myself what is the message I would like to showcase through my illustration and which elements would carry that message best. Then I do some sketches in my sketchbook just to check composition and pick what color palette would fit the illustration best. For my digital illustrations I use Intuos Pro M and for my analog I prefer mixed technique (watercolor and colored pencils).
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
MF: Just plain simple… feeling good.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
MF: Right now I’m finishing up my MA illustration study and also working on different projects. I make my own work schedule and work form different locations. My workplace is usually in my apartment or the studio I rent with some amazing creative nice people.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
MF: For me it depends on the projects that I’m working on. Usually the deadline plays a huge roll in the whole process. If I only have time 2 days to make a whole illustration from scratch to finish I act impulsively and try to make it work. But If I’m working on a project that requires more time and is more complicated, I like to have some guidance or some second opinions floating around me.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
MF: Well there are a couple. But I think the hardest one for me was learning to say no to projects that just aren’t for me. I still struggle with that sometimes. But in general, just to trust myself and to enjoy the creative process and not to be scared or get frustrated when having a creative block.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
MF: I sometimes modify my style to fit a certain project that I’m working on. But with my personal illustrations I think it’s the constant evolution of my personal style and taste that keep me interested in creating new illustrations.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
MF: I think balancing work, friends, family and still finding time for myself.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
MF: It never gets boring. Every project is a story for itself and every next illustration is different from the previous one.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
MF: There are a lot of people that inspire me. I don’t have a person in particular but anyone in any field that enjoys his or her work and talks with love about it inspires me to be creative.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
MF: For me the most useful tech tool is the internet. It helps me get jobs and helps me get in touch with different artists.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
MF: The word “Artist” for me is such a loose term. I think a lot of people have creative jobs and are artists (even though it might not look like it).
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
MF: Yes I like traveling. I would like to do it more of it. I don’t have a favorite city but I love anything with nature, or being in galleries and looking at paintings, sculptures….
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
MF: Right now it’s a book by Eleanor Davis titled How to be happy.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
MF: I would like to do more personal illustrations just playing with different textures, shapes, etc.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
MF: I think it’s being in love with the creative process.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
MF: Yo Chavez – Yussef Kamaal
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
MF: Sometimes complicated but feminine, neat and simple.
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