CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
SC: I focus on illustration and Animation. On that universe, I resonate more with the bold and big, simple and very colorful.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
SC: I mainly draw people doing normal things, so I suppose I’m just curious and end up paying attention to those things when I’m out and about. I travel a lot so that also plays a big component in my life, since a couple years ago.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
SC: Sure! I love to work everyday so it doesn’t really matter if I have a commission or not, I’m always drawing. When I start a new project, I usually revise sketches and works that I’m doing in that moment and that becomes part of the new project. I usually take a couple days or a week to draw an initial round of ideas and from that I select, or the client selects favorites and that ends up being most of the project. Once I have those drawings I just focus on painting and finessing.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
SC: I love when people empathize with the things I draw. Sometimes that is a smile or for some it’s a moment of fun, but I like to think it’s always on a positive note.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
SC: I come from an animation background so putting my own studio and slowly transitioning to commercial art was a big change. It’s a very different lifestyle for sure. I travel way more because I don’t have to stay at a specific place to work. And my days have a more natural pace; somedays I work a lot, other days I take it easy. I share a studio with my wife, so we have lunch together everyday and we cook a lot. It’s been a positive change in our lives for sure.
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?
SC: I always act on impulse. It’s just the way I’m wired. But I also work a lot under commission so it can be a collaboration and the tone of the project is different. Not all the projects are the same, but I would say that every project should bring something. I like the diversity and to keep it fun. If my work doesn’t give me something it is hard for me to stay connected to that.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
SC: I’ve learned that the most important thing is to create your own work. That changes everything. That work you do is going to attract people and build the path for future projects.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
SC: Of course! But I like to think that taste is something you build along the way. And at the same time, it guides the way you proceed.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
SC: To create a body of work that is a statement is hard. But cultivating that and growing it in an organic way, pushing those edges towards interesting places in a consistent way, that’s the hardest for me.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
SC: I love the freedom I have as a result of my career. Freedom over my life and control over my work.
SC: The ownership I have from my work now is very different from my past jobs and I couldn’t be happier with it.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in anyway?
SC: I follow a lot of people’s work’s and that’s a great source inspiration for me. I’m always in awe with the work of Geoff McFetridge and try to read things about him whenever I can. Milton Glaser is another one that I’m really into. I’ve been thinking on painting more and more, so when I find illustrators that play with fine art, I try to investigate how they did it and what happens as a result of that.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
SC: I’m fully a digital artist so me doing art is a result of those tools. I’m leaning towards analogue materials because of curiosity, but I love digital.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
SC: Not really. Creative paths are all over. It’s not something that only exists on the arts. But I do think that people can see in a very different way to that of artists. There is something about how the world is established and how artists have a role in it.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
SC: Absolutely love it. Love the feeling of walking in a street I never walked before. Don’t have a favorite really. Every time we move, we recognize the city changes us. I started drawing in Los Angeles because I saw the culture here. Barcelona showed me that not everything is about your work. I’m really into my work and very passionate about my career but my friends in Europe showed me that I could do the same and have a rich life outside that too.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
SC: Love Milton Glaser’s books. “Art is Work” changed my life. Bruno Munari books is something I always comeback to and use everyday.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
SC: Just keep trying new things. Painting maybe. Objects, sculptures. There is something very ephemeral about illustration that I don’t like. I would love to create something that stands the test of time better. I’m still working on that 😉
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
SC: For me it means to put myself out there. Even on those projects that we do just to pay the bills. It’s not only a drawing, it’s me doing something for you and I truly believe in that collaboration. I try and push that conversation in a way that tries to get a positive exchange.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
SC: “Mi Deseo” / Paco Amoroso
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
SC: Hope you enjoy seeing it, as much as I enjoy it doing it.
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