Marianna Madriz
I’m currently a 21-year-old about to start my final year of Illustration in the Arts University Bournemouth. Venezuelan of origin, I moved to the UK when I was 15 with my family, settling in Milton Keynes before I moved away for my studies. I’m inspired by magical realism, interesting characters and stories, which are the very same things I want to show in my illustration work. With one year to go before getting out of the bubble of university there’s still a lot to be done, but it’ll be exciting!
When did you decide you wanted to be illustrator?
I decided it during my foundation year before entering university, when I realised I didn’t fit in the fine art mould at all. I wanted to create books and get better narratives, and illustration offered me the chance to do this and much more. It can be a very fun pathway, and that’s why I went for it.
Would you recommend studying at art school?
Absolutely. It offers you the time and the facilities to experiment openly, as well as being surrounded by so many talented people who encourage you and guide you daily. Nevertheless art school doesn’t teach everything! True learning comes from experimenting and being proactive, dedicated and motivated with your work.
Could you describe your typical day?
A typical day is pretty varied for me. Most days I wake up, get ready and head over to the studio at university to work there for the day, sometimes staying quite late in the evening. There might also be days when I stay at home and work in my room too.
What do you wish you’d know when you first started out?
This is something to ask myself in future years once the real work starts.
What’s the best thing about being an illustrator?
To draw, of course! To do something you love for a living (that’s the goal at least!).
What’s the worst thing about being an illustrator?
The days when you start doubting yourself, when you wonder if you’ll be able to ‘make it’ and when you believe your work is terrible – this usually comes after a mindless session of looking at a lot of artists on tumblr after 3am, not very good, don’t do that, but this is true in many professions. People will always have moments of self doubt; it’s just a matter of overcoming these fears and doing something about it.
If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be?
If I was still in Venezuela I’d probably be studying philosophy and literature, or media. I’d probably be having a really hard time doing something I don’t truly enjoy.
Any other tips you could share?
I’d really suggest keeping a blog. Not only it is good to update to people about any current projects you’re doing, but it’s also a good way to look back into your past illustrations and reflect on how much you’ve progressed with your work, and how you can take it even further.
