This month, I (=mc-cool) Had the pleasure of interviewing one of the most renowned illustrators and vector artist's in the world, `CrisVector.


*vbu: So Cris, tell us a bit about yourself!

`CrisVector: Well I'm a self employed illustrator, working from Sao Paulo Brazil, in my small home office. I work for brazilian and international clients doing illustration works for many applications: editorial, packages, web design, advertising..

*vbu:That sounds very creative and an interesting job! Where do you find all your inspiration?

`CrisVector: Actually I'm always looking for inspiration. I like to browse the internet and look at the works from other artists, usually different medias from mine, like, I work with Illustration, so I like to see some motion design, graphic design, photography...sometimes I got inspired by them. I like to get inspiration in movies and real people at the streets.. My work is done for them, so observing people is my job too!

*vbu: Are there any particular artist's that you get inspiration from? Or any particular websites?

`CrisVector: I don't have any particular artist’s that I get inspiration from. I always change my favorite artist, I find this is a good way to find others I think. Nowadays I'm getting drunk with the work of James Jean, I visit his blog everyday [link]

*vbu: What do you like about James’ style of work?

`CrisVector: I like how he uses the digital tools to improve his classic technique...I'm looking to get the same improvement to my own work

*vbu: What age did you realize you wanted to be an illustrator, or something to do with the design industry?

`CrisVector: Ive been drawing things since a child, but I realized I could be a professional at 14 years old, when I was looking for a high school course (or secondary, each region have a different name). So I found a technical course of design communication. I got into this course and I learned how to be a professional

*vbu: What tools and software do you use to create your art?

`CrisVector: I make my works mainly in Photoshop and Illustrator, but I use Poser sometimes too!

*vbu: What your favorite piece of work that you have created as your time as an illustrator, and why?

`CrisVector: [link] : Not just because its an image of my wife, but I got a good effect in a technique I've been working for a while, I like the colors and the mood of this work...this is my favorite.

*vbu: What do you think drives you as an artist?

`CrisVector: Well, first is my passion for art, I simply love what I do. I like to know when somebody thinks about my work and see his (or her) own life, when my work can bring some good feeling or start some good change in some life.... recently I got some comments of people about this and I got motivated to keep working.

*vbu: How did you get started in the design industry?

`CrisVector I started as trainee in a small graphic design studio. I got this job right after the conclusion of my design course... Basically my work was cut photos with the path tool....

*vbu: How did you learn Adobe Illustrator? I know for a lot of illustrators this is  a very cool tool, but hard to master. Any pointers?

`CrisVector: I learned by myself, reading the help file. In the design studio I started my career, people worked with freehand, so I started using Illustrator because I was familiarized with the adobe interface (from photoshop). So I got some few tips from some veteran designers, but all basic things I learned by myself. Illustrator is not so hard to learn, it's easy, but you need to be persistent

*vbu: Awesome! And finally, is there any tips you would give to any illustrators looking for work or establishing themselves as an illustrator?

`CrisVector: Mostly new illustrators think that a software will magically resolve all their problems.. this is not true. Software is an important tool to FINISH a work, not to creating a work. So, if a new illustrator wants be noticed by the industry, he need to work more in the concept of his work instead software knowledge. Also a very important tip: always read the contracts before signing!

*vbu:
Awesome! Thanks for your taking some time out of your busy schedule `CrisVector! Its been a pleasure to interview you!


`CrisVector Feature







Hope you enjoyed the article!
=mc-cool, *vbu Administrator