Constanza Goeppinger

We caught up with Chilean-born and Gold Coast-based illustrator and designer Constanza Goeppinger about moving across the ocean, finding your passion, and developing your own style as an illustrator. She shared with us tips to stop worrying about creating your own style, and how freelancing teaches you to be flexible and patient.

Did you have a plan for graduation and what actually happened?

Yes I did have a plan. After graduating from a Bachelor in Business, my plan was to do a work & holiday visa in Australia, and then go back to Chile to find a job in Marketing! But it didn't work out that way. I decided to stay longer in Australia (almost 8 months more) and then I went back to Chile, found a very boring office job, and then I realised it’s not what I wanted to do. Then, when I came back to Australia (a year after) I started thinking again about what I really wanted to do with my life and I decided to study Graphic Design, which always interested me, and somehow I ended up doing illustration!

What's the worst design job you’ve ever had and how did it make you a better designer?

I work as a freelancer, so I'm always dealing with different kinds of people. I can’t say I’ve had really bad jobs, but definitely some have been challenging, as some clients will want you to do things their way and in a particular style, so this has taught me to be more flexible with my style and develop different techniques in my work, and also to be more patient.

Design work by Constanza Goeppinger The Design Kids interviews Constanza Goeppinger work-2

What are some of the best and worst parts of your job, day-to-day?

Some of the best parts are that I get to work from home and do my own schedule, so I can manage my day the way I want to, and usually I don’t have meetings (only Skype calls once in a while). The worst part is that sometimes I get bored working by myself and as I don’t have a set schedule, I feel work is always on my mind, but that's something I’m trying to work on!

Who are your top five design crushes globally right now?

As I’m more of an illustrator, my illustration crushes are Monika Forsberg, Stephanie DeAngelis, Abbey Lossing, Isabelle Feliu and Livia Falcaru.

Design work by Constanza Goeppinger The Design Kids interviews Constanza Goeppinger work-4
Design work by Constanza Goeppinger The Design Kids interviews Constanza Goeppinger work-4

I would say to others to not to worry so much about what your style is, just enjoy the process.

Any passion projects/collabs you would like to share?

Last year I did a collab with Eunoia Soul Rituals to do some oracle cards which we turned into limited edition prints were all the profits went to the bushfires. We had an amazing response and raised $2000!

How did you develop your style as an illustrator and what tips would you have for others?

Honestly, I started drawing by looking at someone else’s work, I was copying the things that I liked about another artist because I didn’t use to draw much three years ago. But I didn’t want to copy, I just wanted to learn how to draw, and then slowly and with a lot of practice I start developing my own style. It’s about finding what you like and what comes naturally to you, and the key is to practice. But even when you find your own style, you will always find yourself changing and experimenting with new styles, so I would say to others to not to worry so much about what your style is, just enjoy the process.

Design work by Constanza Goeppinger The Design Kids interviews Constanza Goeppinger work-6

What advice would you give students graduating in 2019?

Never stop learning and always keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to show your work! I think these days there are a lot of opportunities out there with social media, but you have to show people your work to actually get some work.

What's on the cards professionally and personally in the next 12 months?

I’m finishing a book project really soon and doing a card deck with Eunoia Soul Rituals, but hopefully I’ll have more projects soon!

2019 for you in a sentence.

A year of growth.

Design work by Constanza Goeppinger The Design Kids interviews Constanza Goeppinger work-9
Design work by Constanza Goeppinger The Design Kids interviews Constanza Goeppinger work-9

Where to find Constanza Goeppinger online.

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