Susana Soto
Children's Illustrator
How and why did you decide to pursue illustration as your career?
I started drawing like all children and I have not stopped doing it. I not only liked drawing, but also theater, puppets, ceramics, photography, painting ...And like many children I started by taking drawing classes.
I finally went to the University of Fine Arts in Barcelona, and even though at that time what I liked the most was painting, I ended up specializing in graphic design and soon began to work in the advertising industry.
I continued taking courses in engraving, screen printing ... And it was from a postgraduate degree in children’s illustration at the Escola Eina, where I decided to enter the world of illustration. The change took a while, but working like an ant, little by little, everything came together and here I am finally, happy to be an illustrator.
Where do you currently live and where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Barcelona and I still live here. I really like my city, the culture, architecture. street life, sun and sea ... it has completely stolen my heart.
Do you keep a sketch book?
I don’t have one notebook, I have many, because I usually draw on white paper notebooks. I do it for two reasons, because that way I don’t lose the pages and because I feel more comfortable drawing on something informal like a notebook, it helps take pressure off and I usually draw more rapidly, with fresh and expressive lines.
What do you hope children take away from your drawings?
A smile.
Take us behind the scenes and describe your studio / workspace.
I work from home, in a small creative corner, but when the weather is good, I move to the outside table, which is my favourite.
Where do you get the ideas for your characters?
From everyday life.
Who is your favourite children’s book character and why?
My favourite character is Mafalda. I remember getting a little book of comic strips. I was about 9 years old and one Sunday morning we went for a walk and when we reached a newsstand on the Ramblas my father told us that we could choose a comic and there she was. I did not know who she was but I liked her and I took her home and although at that time, I did not understand many of the strips, I fell in love with it, because of its vision of the world.
Which 4 words would you use to describe your illustration portfolio?
Fresh, cheerful, endearing, subtle.
What are some of your favourite subjects to draw?
The things that children do, their spontaneity and sincerity, how they relate to each other and the ease with which they have fun.
How do you get your creative juices flowing?
With music, chocolate and a little sun, everything works better.