Who or what have been some of your major artistic influences?

One of my biggest influences was Quino, an Argentine cartoonist and creator of Mafalda. It was my first introduction to drawing and humor. As a child, I saw his comics, the way he made expressions, and how he used lines. His work planted the seed that encouraged me to want to draw.

What is your favourite medium to work with and why?

One of my biggest influences was Quino, an Argentine cartoonist and creator of Mafalda. It was my first introduction to drawing and humor. As a child, I saw his comics, the way he made expressions, and how he used lines. His work planted the seed that encouraged me to want to draw.

Do you keep a sketch book?

Yes! I always have a sketchbook that I'm using, I really like to draw in it and I use it a bit like a diary to record my emotions and what I'm experiencing. I often draw a character that represents me called Marranita. It's a kitten with my haircut, basically. Through her, I usually express my life in my notebooks.

How many times do you tend to draw a character until you are happy with it?

Many! I love character design, exploring their expressions and poses. I can only get to know them by drawing them many times. Each character has its own qualities and personality and as I draw them more, I can know who they are and what drives them.

What would you say is a distinguishing feature of your artwork?

I think what most distinguishes my work is the combination of animals, warm colors, magical scenes, and nature. I like humor a lot and if possible, I try to represent that in my illustrations.

Share your favourite piece of artwork from your portfolio and walk us through its creation.

I have many favorite art pieces but this one in particular encouraged my desire to write stories. Without realizing it, I drew this gentleman named Don Pascual with his companion Cachito without knowing anything about them. I started sketching them in different poses and imagining different situations between the two of them and I realized that there was a story to tell, but I didn’t know which one. So I began to investigate about them, their routines, their fears, what they like, etc. and so I could get to know them.. And currently I am writing a story that excites me a lot and I hope it sees the light soon. I was surprised that my process, at least for now, consists of drawing the characters first before thinking about the story I want to tell. I draw a character, I move it, I think about its world, what motivates it, what drives it and little by little I understand what story it has to tell me and that's where the fun begins.

Outline your dream project.

A dream project would be to create a series of adventure books that include fantastic worlds, animals and mysteries to be solved. I'd love to create a series of one character and see all the adventures they have to live.- What advice would you offer someone just starting out as a children’s illustrator?

What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

Recently I listened to a talk by Rick Rubin that was very helpful. He said something like this:

"Making art is like writing in your personal diary, does it make sense to be worried about someone not liking something in my personal diary? No. [...] When I'm creating I don't worry about the outcome, I try to be up to the task to do the best I can and make it great. Something great is something devotional, it's a gift to the Universe. Who has something to say if I'm making a gift to the Universe?"

I believe that many times as artists we are more focused on the opinion or how our work will be received, when in reality what matters most is to make it and what happens to us in that process. Keeping these words in mind has helped me a lot when I doubt or get stuck in my processes

How do you overcome a creative block?

When I have a creative block, I realize that I have to rest and let go of what I'm doing. There's no point in forcing it, I do any other activity that is not related to drawing: I go for a walk, read a book, watch a series, do journaling. Because my mind at that moment needs to rest from that and nourish itself with something else. Luckily it always works and after a day the flow usually comes back.

What are some of your favourite subjects to draw?

What I love to draw most are animals! I draw a lot of kittens, I've always had kittens around me, and I believe that's why they are so present in my work. I like to create characters based on them and give them personality. I also really enjoy drawing other animals, forests, and nature in general.