The Illustration Interview is (hopefully!) a series of interviews with deviants who work professionally as illustrators, hoping to eke out tips to help us aspiring illustrators out a little!

Hi there =betteo!

Patricio Betteo (1978), Mexican artist. Son of South American parents. I live in Morelia, a small & charming Mexican city,

What do you currently work as?

Mostly as an illustrator for Mexican publications. All kind of magazines and books.

Did you do an art related course at university?

I studied Graphic Design. Only 5 semesters before dropping out...

Do you think a degree in art helps you become an art professional?

No. At least, not in my experience. But every head is a different universe and many of us have our particular way of "gaining knowledge".

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to become a professional illustrator?

Be stubborn. Be decisive. Work hard. Develope your own style. Learn from the masters. Learn the basic graphic techniques.

Fantastic advice! What are your tools of the trade? Why do you use these?

Pencil, pens, brushes inks and regular papers.
For color, I use Photoshop (with a wacom). I try to balance old fashioned work with new techniques. Digital coloring is very fast and efficient for commissioned work. I'm in love with Undo key.

What tools would you advise someone starting out to buy?

Everything you feel comfortable with. And a little more, just in case.

Who or what inspires you?

Day-dreaming. Real life. Comic-books. Photo.

Show me your favourite works from your gallery.

It's hard to tell. Probably the latest ones. That applies at anytime of my life. _{That's okay - I'll pick mine}

Show me some of your favourite art on DA (preferably illustration!)

To name just 2:


Thankyou so much for your time =betteo