Kyoorious interview

1. Share with us your illustration process- when you sit down to begin a new piece of work- what do you usually keep in mind, as starting points?

To me everytime is time to draw or paint something. I used to do a rough sketch first, that will give me an image overview. In comercial assignment the first thing I try to do is to understand all the client needs, and how I could mix their expectations with my personal voice. In personal works, I just get focused in experiment new things and satisfy my artistic soul.

The common point between comercial and personal work process is that first I create the main figures, most of times with a realistic aproach. After that, I start putting graphic elements around the illustration board, trying to connect them with the other elements. Most of times these graphics elements works as metaphors and symbols, adding another meaning to the illustration.

2. How did you get interested in illustration in the first place?

Since I was a child I loved book illustrations,animations, and all kind of comic books. I used to see it all the time and collect them, until I started to do my own stories and illustrations. Later I discovered the professionals behind the beautiful images. "Oh my God!,It's possible to make a living as an illustrator!" When it happened, the wish to carry on with my drawings became stronger, and since then I've never stopped.

3. If you’re formally trained, could you give us the background into your formal studies- college or university that you passed out from?

I have graduated in Visual Arts at School of Fine Arts of UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais - Brazil) and I have got a technical degree in Design and Graphic Communication at SENAI -CECOTEG (Graphic Technology and Communication Center). Putting together design/graphic technology with fine arts was very important to my professional life.

4. Can you name one illustrator who you respect greatly and who inspires you?

I am a huge fan of J.Carlos illustrations .Although his work is a lot different of mine, he is a important reference to me as a professional.He was the main illustrator at the most popular  brazilian magazines at that time (beggining of 20º century) - "O Malho", "O Tico-Tico","Fon-Fon", "Careta", among others regular publications in Brazil

5. In illustration, is there any particular theme that you are partial to? Perhaps its people/landscapes/abstract motifs?

Maybe an assemble of all of these ones. But what I really like is to show a balance between people and  sometimes an abstract atmosphere.

 6. Where do you go for daily inspiration? Do share.

Everywhere, in all streets of Belo Horizonte (the city where I currently live).
I love pick up my bike and ride through the streets while I’m listening to music.
On web I love  "An Afternoon With"  / "Storychord"/ "Obvious" / "Revista Ilustrar"