S2 E10: Being a Part-Time Artist with Mexican-American Illustrator Marlene Vega

03: Gay Chicanx Collage Artist, Ruby Marquez | @Broobs: Welcome to this week’s episode of Draws in Spanish where I chat with queer Chicanx collage artist, Ruby Marquez aka @Broobs on Instagram. Ruby and I get existential about what it “means to be Latinx,” the risks associated with making Selena fan art, using art as a coping strategy, and how Ruby processes the pressure to be perfect on social media. Ruby also divulges how they go about collecting source material for their collection, moving into music production, and why connecting with your culture is so much more than tracing your bloodline. Join me on this week’s episode to learn more about Ruby’s complex story as a queer Mexican-American artist. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

42 min listen

04: Venezuelan Illustrator, Natali Koromoto Martinez: Welcome to this week’s episode of Draws in Spanish where I chat with Venezuelan illustrator Natali Koromoto Martinez. Natali and I talk about her experience moving to the US, creating a cute little world of Latinx foods, and what influences her playful style. Natali also gets candid about her product design process, why she didn’t end up using her animation degree, and her upcoming apparel line with her partner. Join me on this week’s episode to learn more Natali's career and Venezuelan upbringing! by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

31 min listen

About [Draws in Spanish]: [Draws in Spanish] showcases noteworthy Latinx visual artists, exploring their creative journeys and how they got to where they are today. Host and Chilean-American illustrator, Fabiola Lara, brings humor and empathy to the conversation, uncovering how the artist’s culture and Latinx identity informs their artwork. Whether you’re just starting your creative career or looking to discover the next big name in visual art, join Fabiola as she chats in English with artists who draw in Spanish. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

1 min listen

06: Salvadorian & Cuban-American artist, Manuela Guillén: On this week’s episode, I chatted with Salvadorian and Cuban-American artist and educator Manuela Guillén. Manuela and I talked all about growing up in Miami, feeling out of place in white majority neighborhoods, and growing up as a first generation kid in the US. We also dissected how she got started creating “political” work, what it was like living and teaching in Mexico, and how her Latinx heritage influences her artwork. Join me on this week’s episode to learn more about Manuela bicultural background and creative career. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

38 min listen

02: Colombian Illustrator & Multidisciplinary Artist, Katty Huertas | @KattyHuertas by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

43 min listen

09: Mexican-American Illustrator & Lettering Artist Jackie Rivera: In this week’s episode, I have such a refreshing conversation with Mexican-American illustrator and lettering artist Jackie Rivera. Jackie is a Seattle-based artist with an eye for bright colors and graphic lettering who has worked with clients like Adobe, Facebook, and the LA Times. Tune in to hear us talk about everything from growing up in immigrant families, cleaning houses with our moms, and taking a leap of faith to follow your dream career! by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

61 min listen

05: Mexican & Irish-American Illustrator and Author, Molly Mendoza: Welcome to this week’s episode of Draws in Spanish, where I chat with Mexican/Irish-American illustrator and author Molly Mendoza. Molly and I had a chill yet deep chat about growing up in the suburbs, blending their Mexican heritage with their Irish roots, and their relationship with the Spanish language. Aside from Molly’s cultural upbringing, we also talked about the ins and outs of their illustration work and what it’s been like working in the publishing industry. Join me on this week’s episode to learn more about Molly’s background and impressive illustration career. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

47 min listen

12: Venezuelan Character Designer @ReeArtworks: In this week’s episode, I speak with Seattle-based Venezuelan character designer and illustrator Ree. Ree has established her style over the years to create her own world of cute textured characters. Listen to this episode to hear us talk all about why she moved to Seattle, how she recovered from intense creative block, and how she found her artistic style. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

53 min listen

11: Mexican Graphic Designer & Illustrator Lila Miller Espinosa: In this week’s episode, I speak with Brooklyn-based Mexican Graphic Designer and Illustrator, Lila Miller Espinosa. Lila is currently the Digital Design Manager at Parkwood Entertainment and also runs her amazing newsletter Bonita Semana, which rounds up good stuff from across the internet. Listen to this episode to hear us talk all about how she ended up becoming a US citizen, how she fell into graphic design through her own ambitions, and how she launched Bonita Semana. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

47 min listen

01: Queer Chilean Illustrator, Fran Meneses | @Frannerd: Welcome to this week’s episode of Draws in Spanish where I chat with queer Chilean illustrator, Fran Meneses, aka @frannerd. We bond over the cringey Americanized versions of our names, dive into what it’s like to find your place in the hodgepodge that is New York City, and set the record straight on where Chile is (and no, Chileans don’t wear coconut bras). Fran also pulls back the curtain on her nonlinear process for her upcoming graphic novel, how she balances social media with long-term projects and carving her own path as a modern illustrator. Join me on this week’s episode to learn more about Fran’s extraordinary story. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

52 min listen

08: Brazilian Illustrator & Graphic Designer Niege Borges: On this week’s episode, I chatted with Brazilian illustrator and designer Niege Borges. Niege is currently based in Brooklyn, NY and has worked with an impressive roster of clients such as TikTok, Instagram, and Vogue Brazil. Her illustration work is colorful, features bold line work, and is filled with movement. In this episode we discuss growing up in Brazil, her path to illustration, and how she found her artistic style. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

46 min listen

07: Mexican Illustrator & YouTuber Paloma Cordova: On this week’s episode, I sat down with Mexican artist, illustrator, and YouTuber Paloma Cordova. Paloma is relatively new to the illustration world but has already amassed a community of fans via YouTube. She has developed a playful illustrated world that features themes such as cowboys, witches and cute cats. Listen to this episode to learn more about Paloma’s complicated immigration story, how she got into illustration and YouTube, and where she hopes to take her career. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

63 min listen

Bonus: 2 New Show Updates!: 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 by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

3 min listen

01: Salvadoran Illustrator & Tattoo Artist So Lazo: In this episode, I chat with Salvadoran illustrator So Lazo. So is an Illustrator and tattoo artist from tiny, tropical El Salvador who immigrated to Berlin, Germany in 2021. They're also the author of two illustrated books and have had their own brand of illustrated products available on Etsy since 2016. I'm really excited to have So on the show, so keep on listening to hear us talk about their experience moving to Berlin, their advice for finding your voice, and running an Etsy shop using drop shipping. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

52 min listen

13: Mexican-American Graphic Designer & Illustrator Marisol Ortega: In this episode, I speak with Mexican-American Graphic Designer and Illustrator Marisol Ortega. Marisol is based in Tacoma, Washington, and has worked as a designer and illustrator for brands like Starbucks, Amazon, and Target. Listen to this episode to hear us talk all about generational trauma, how she found her passion for design through a foreign exchange program, and her perspective on freelancing and motherhood. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

42 min listen

10: Argentinian Cartoonist & Illustrator Pepita Sandwich: In this week’s episode, I spoke with Argentinian cartoonist and illustrator Pepita Sandwich. Pepita is currently living in Brooklyn by way of Vermont — previously Buenos Aires — and works from her home studio with clients like The Washington Post, The New Yorker, and Adidas. Pepita creates magical and sensitive comics that inspire you to get in touch with yourself. In this episode, we go over her experience growing up in Buenos Aires, how she discovered her love for comics, why she decided to leave Argentina for Vermont, and what’s next for her career. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

72 min listen

14: Cuban Bahamian Illustrator and Artist Reyna Noriega: In this episode, I speak with Afro-Caribbean visual artist Reyna Noriega. Reyna, who is Cuban and Bahamian, works with impressive clients such as Apple, Old Navy, and The New Yorker. Aside from these notable clients, Reyna also self-published her third book “In My Cocoon” which is a collection of poems she wrote during quarantine. Her work is very graphic, full of figures, and “aims to fill the world with vibrant, joyful depictions of marginalized peoples.” by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

52 min listen

17: Cuban-American Illustrator Danny Brito: In this episode, I speak with Cuban-American illustrator Danny Brito. Danny was born and raised in Miami and creates vintage-inspired kitschy illustrations. He has been running his Etsy store since 2009 and believes you can create a fully sustainable online business as an artist. Keep on listening to hear us discuss his experience as an alt-Cuban in Miami, how he’s made his shop sustainable, and how he feels about online art theft. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

45 min listen

15: Afro-Colombian Cartoonist & Illustrator Arantza Peña Popo: In this episode, I speak with Afro-Colombian cartoonist and illustrator Arantza Peña Popo. Arantza is an Ignatz Award Nominated artist who explores slice-of-life narratives through her comic artwork. She’s created comics for publications such as The New Yorker, Title Slides for Cartoon Network, and editorial illustrations for Refinery29. Keep on listening to hear her discuss her experience being Afro-Colombian, how she got into autobiographical comics, and how she won a Google Doodle contest. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

52 min listen

16: Mexican-American Illustrator & Graphic Designer Itzel Islas: In this episode, I speak with Mexican-American illustrator and designer Itzel Islas. Itzel is a designer and illustrator from Tijuana, Mexico, and is now based in sunny San Diego, CA. She’s worked with brands like Nickelodeon, Wal-Mart, and Urban Outfitters. More importantly, Itzel runs her own brand called @YAYITZEL where she releases custom illustrated merchandise inspired directly by her Mexican heritage. Keep on listening to hear us discuss her emo days in high school, her experience going viral on TikTok, and why she decided to create designs in both English and Spanish. Hosted by @FabiolitaDraws by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

68 min listen

18: Colombian Illustrator Natalia Cardona Puerta: In this episode, I speak with Colombian Illustrator Natalia Cardona Puerta. Natalia was born and raised in Colombia but now lives in Portland, Oregon. Her illustrations draw inspiration from her ‘90s upbringing in Bogota. Her favorite cartoon shows and toys, her love of the outdoors, and her ever-changing emotions and feelings inspire the playful nature of her work. Keep on listening to hear us talk all about her childhood in Colombia, why she decided to move to the U.S., and how she developed her style after graduating! Hosted by Fabiola Lara by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

56 min listen

02: Argentinean Illustrator & Cartoonist Eugenia Viti: 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. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

53 min listen

03: Mexican-American Illustrator Marisol Muro: 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. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

66 min listen

12: Post Whatever You Want with Puerto Rican Designer Carlos Oliveras Colom: 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! by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

59 min listen

04: Mexican-American Interdisciplinary Artist Tamara Santibañez: 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. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

46 min listen

07: Fangirling with Chilean Motion Designer Cristo Saez: 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. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

58 min listen

06: From Printmaking to Creative Direction with Colombian Illustrator Daniela Jordan-Villaveces: 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. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

64 min listen

Minsode 02: Tips for Diversifying Revenue Streams & More: 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. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

25 min listen

10: Being a Part-Time Artist with Mexican-American Illustrator Marlene Vega: 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." by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

59 min listen

05: Salvadorian & Mexican-American Illustrator Iliana Galvez: 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. by Draws in Spanish | Conversations with Latinx Visual Artists and Designers

69 min listen

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S2 E10: Being a Part-Time Artist with Mexican-American Illustrator Marlene Vega

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