Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Simple, colourful, character oriented, perhaps a bit reflective.
What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Snacks! I always must have tea and a sweet treat to start sketching. Markers and a rusty orange pencil are a must as well when I’m working analogically, otherwise my iPad and apple pencil are my go to tools whenever I’m working on editorial projects.
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I love the simplicity of alcohol markers paired with coloured pencils. Lately I’ve been incorporating crayons in the mix as well and the texture contrast is super lovely, I think.
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I love all Art Nouveau. I find it really interesting how in a world that was starting to change rapidly technologically and ideologically, art favoured the organic and delicate shapes of nature. Seems like a very lovely way to find space amongst the chaos of change. I would love to see all of that taking place!
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
I love to have prints and books around me to get inspiration from. I’m super lucky to have a window by my desk so I get loads of natural light (and a tree view!) but I also keep some lamps around, just in case it gets cloudy or I want to film something. I also like to keep my markers and coloured pencils organized in a way that they’re easily accessible. Also, that little pink cart is pretty useful to keep sketches or ongoing projects organized!
What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
If I’m working on an editorial project, I love doing research. One of my favourite things about this job is how much I get to learn from topics that I have 0 knowledge about!.
If I’m working on a personal project, I love how cathartic the colouring process can be. I love sketching, but playing with colours and textures is mesmerizing!
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Stay true to your voice. There’s tons of super talented people out there and it’s very easy to feel discouraged in this industry. But, as cheesy as it may sound, believe in yourself and in your unique way of seeing the world and how you portray that uniqueness in your art. This will do way more than comparison ever will. Oh and never stop learning!. There’s always tons of new things to learn!
Karla Alcazar, a Mexican-born illustrator, explores short narratives, limited color palettes, and character design. A 2014 Norwich University of the Arts graduate, she freelances and teaches on Skillshare, where she's a top teacher. Now, she's expanding into children's literature and resides in Mexico.
For more information, please visit Karla's website or follow her on instagram.
Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Emily Hughes, Simona Ciraolo and Isabelle Arsenault.
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I love all Art Nouveau. I find it really interesting how in a world that was starting to change rapidly technologically and ideologically, art favoured the organic and delicate shapes of nature. Seems like a very lovely way to find space amongst the chaos of change. I would love to see all of that taking place!
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
My dad painted and he always encouraged any artistic interest I had. Without that support growing up, I don’t think I could be doing what I do now.
I’ve always loved stories and I’m a visual person who loves to draw so illustration seemed like a very good fit for me.
My dad painted and he always encouraged any artistic interest I had. Without that support growing up, I don’t think I could be doing what I do now.
I’ve always loved stories and I’m a visual person who loves to draw so illustration seemed like a very good fit for me.
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
I love to have prints and books around me to get inspiration from. I’m super lucky to have a window by my desk so I get loads of natural light (and a tree view!) but I also keep some lamps around, just in case it gets cloudy or I want to film something. I also like to keep my markers and coloured pencils organized in a way that they’re easily accessible. Also, that little pink cart is pretty useful to keep sketches or ongoing projects organized!
What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
If I’m working on an editorial project, I love doing research. One of my favourite things about this job is how much I get to learn from topics that I have 0 knowledge about!.
If I’m working on a personal project, I love how cathartic the colouring process can be. I love sketching, but playing with colours and textures is mesmerizing!
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Stay true to your voice. There’s tons of super talented people out there and it’s very easy to feel discouraged in this industry. But, as cheesy as it may sound, believe in yourself and in your unique way of seeing the world and how you portray that uniqueness in your art. This will do way more than comparison ever will. Oh and never stop learning!. There’s always tons of new things to learn!
Karla Alcazar, a Mexican-born illustrator, explores short narratives, limited color palettes, and character design. A 2014 Norwich University of the Arts graduate, she freelances and teaches on Skillshare, where she's a top teacher. Now, she's expanding into children's literature and resides in Mexico.
For more information, please visit Karla's website or follow her on instagram.
