"If you can dream it, you can do it"

Thiago Storino is a designer and illustrator from Rio de Janeiro. Thiago knows that inspiration lurks everywhere and he is always in for a creative challenge. He believes in Walt Disney's saying - "if you can dream it, you can do it."

Thiago Storino

Why did you decide to become a designer?

Since my childhood I always showed a lot of talent for drawing, especially because my mother was an artist. I grew up in the middle of frames and paints, so I always knew that I wanted to do art, I just didn’t know what exactly it would be, but something related to arts. 
 

Thiago Storino

 What inspires you most to your work? Do you have a special way of getting inspired?

A lot of people don’t realize this - but everything around inspires you, even unconsciously: my wife, family, friends, movies, books, comic books, or even music that I listen works as a source of inspiration. It is always good to follow the work of other artists that you like and admire. To have good references is primordial to your imagination and inspiration.

Thiago Storino

The objects and scenes you create are very unique. How do you come up with them?

The ideas can come up anytime - I always carry a sketchbook with me. A lot of ideas come up in the middle of creation process, this is why it is important to be open to other people’s opinions and suggestions that you can trust. I always hope to make a better work than the last one, so I can feel that I overcame myself. 

“If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.” - Walt Disney

Thiago Storino with Gabriel Sousa

Brooks Salzwedel "A moment either in the past or the future"

I stumbled upon Californian artist and accessories designer Brooks Salzwedel's work a couple of weeks back and I was immediately captured by his unique style. His work is deeply influenced by the conflict of human development and nature.
Brooks work can be seen in the New York Times, Juxtapoz, ArtReview, New Angels, and NY Arts, he has shown at several galleries throughout the West Coast, such as OKOK Gallery in Seattle, and most recently The Hammer Museum. Currently he is also assistant director at George Billis Gallery in Los Angeles. 

Brooks Salzwedel

In your work you can often see bridges and nature. What inspires you to your artwork? 

Most of my work is taking a moment either in the past or the future where nature has taken over. The fight between human development and nature has always caught my interest. From grant mountain ranges to towering buildings in construction with cranes and scaffolding around it.

Brooks Salzwedel

Brooks Salzwedel

What kind of projects are you currently working on? 

I  recently had a show at George Billis Gallery in Los Angeles. That's been taking most of my time. I'm also an assistant director at the gallery and I run a line of handmade belt buckles called "Shane."

Brooks Salzwedel

If you could give advice to young aspiring artists, what would you tell them? 

Have a pretty clear idea of what kind of artist you want to be (entertainment, commercial, fine art, etc) and know your audience. Have idea of what company you want to work for or what gallery you want to show in and focus on those...don't settle for less.

"Salzwedel makes landscapes for a world in which nature is under siege. Still, that doesn't mean his pictures appear post-apocalyptic. They are beautiful in a bittersweet way, the dark trunks and branches looking tapestry-like within their resin-coated surfaces. The mood is autumnal." 

- Robert L. Pincus, Art Critic, San Diego Union-Tribune

Brooks Salzwedel

More info on Brooks Salzwedel
Currently on view Brooks @

George Billis Gallery, LA

Blog Art Exhibition, Danielle C. McManus "Dimension and Personality"

Danielle C. McManus is an illustrator and designer, she currently lives in New York. Danielle works on the blog A Love of Drawing. She uses a wide variety of media in her work, such as watercolor, pen and ink, crayon, drawing, computer graphics, and oil paint. Danielle is also a blog correspondent for Urban Sketchers. With tradeyourtalent she speaks about the role art plays in her life, the infinite possibilities of creativity, and why reading helps with creative blocks.

Interview with Danielle

Which role does art play in your life? 

Danielle: I would say art plays many roles in my life. As far back as I can remember I always had a crayon, marker or some kind of pen in my hand. As a kid my mom would buy me coloring books and giant sheets of wax paper to draw on.  I went through it like water! Growing up I also struggled with being shy and many times art was how I was able to talk to other kids my age.  I would say that art runs deep inside me and has allowed me to meet the most important people in my life.  Only as I have gotten older have I realized how important art is and how important it is in my life. The fact that I can get up everyday and make a drawing or go outside and draw the flowers, or travel to Paris and draw the Eiffel Tower just because, is truly wonderful. Art is a part of my everyday routine I would say.  Even days that I am not drawing images are always floating around in my head. From bright colors to figuring out how I draw someone’s ear. It’s kind of a funny thing I would say.

Can you describe your style? 

Danielle: My style is my personality. I feel the more variety and the more creative expression the better. I like to draw with a variety of materials and sometimes I even draw with chopsticks or tree sticks. It’s fun to see the infinite possibilities when it comes to creating a picture.

What do you do when you have a creative block? 

Danielle: When I have a creative block I go to the museum. I also look at art books and try to find new kinds of art to look at as well. I find the most important thing to do when I have a creative block is to read. Reading allows you to fill up your artist's well and will supply you with new information. Once you have information you can add it to your art and then you will have more to say with it. It adds dimension and personality.

Inspiration is...

Danielle: Something that can come from your heart and something you feel very deeply. 

If you could collaborate with another artist, whom would you pick?

Danielle: Well I have to say I would have loved to have collaborated with my late teacher and mentor who was a wonderful artist and teacher.

Juliana Urrego

 Juliana Urrego works on contemporary design, architecture, photography and creative projecs in Miami. 

When did you decide to make art your career?

I do not think it was ever a conscious decision. I developed a love for architecture early on and that led to an interest in art and photography. I've been able to grow more as an artist because of my formal education as an architect. When I design, I relate the hierarchy of graphic elements (color, typography, shapes) to that of architectural elements.

Why do you think many people stop on the way in pursuing their dream?

I think people stop pursuing dreams because they allow themselves to derail. As long as you have a clear picture of where you want to be, nothing should stop that. There is no greater reward than accomplishing a dream or goal, no matter how big or small.

What are you working on right now?

Right now I am collaborating with Kaleidoscope Collective on the design for the Jai-Alai Magazine cover and website. The magazine is a limited edition, biannual periodical with the goal of documenting literary life in Miami, Florida between 2010 and 2015. (See www.jaialaimag.org). 

If you could give young artists some advice, what would it be?

Being a young designer myself the best piece of advice I can give is to embrace the creative process. Each of us grows a great deal when we embark in a creative process regardless of your career. It leads us to build a strong foundation which we continously build upon. 

 

Kaleidoscope Collective Work, see at www.julianaurrego.com

www.julianaurrego.com

www.julianaurrego.com