We chat with the brilliant Illustrator Laura De La Chica! Laura's originally from Spain but is now living and creating in Melbourne, Australia. We're obsessed with Laura's colourful and bold digital illustrations. Laura talked about her dream of becoming an artist when she was younger, experimenting with different illustrative tools, and how stoked she is to be in the multi-cultural city of Melbourne!
Did you have a plan for graduation and what actually happened?
I didn’t actually have a plan B, however my plans continued to evolve throughout my life. I started art lessons at the age of 6 years old and all I’ve ever wanted to be is an artist. As I got older, everything led me to study Fine Arts, thankfully with all the support from my family and friends, I had the opportunity to study at great universities like Barcelona and Milano where I specialised in drawing. It was only later when I came to Australia that I decided to further my studies in design, which is also when I got into digital illustration.
Whats the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be patient, don’t loose your cool! Even though sometimes hearing this advice whenever I’d felt frustrated would make me go nuts and feel even more frustrated. You can’t throw in the towel, just take a breath, relax, and let your creativity keep flowing. If you work hard, things happen, just try to be patient and don’t stop working hard.
How did you develop your style as an illustrator and what tips would you have for others?
It has been a long process of experimenting with different mediums and supports, such as watercolour, gouache or even pastels. It’s the same illustrating on the computer, I try out different brushes and textures, then I continue using the ones that I like the most. I never feel like I’m wasting my time even if the illustration ends up in the trash, I may have experimented with something that I can use on my next work.
For me, painting is about having a “quality time”, it makes my mind forget about my worries, it works as a therapy. I think that’s why my style usually leans towards humorous scenes and uses vibrant colours.
I don’t think you should obsess about having your own style, I think it comes naturally if you just be yourself and don’t stop experimenting. Also don’t look for perfection because sometimes imperfections and spontaneous decisions are what makes something unique.
Be strong and don’t be afraid to show off your work! I know how it is, thinking you don’t have enough work, or it’s not good enough and feeling lost.
What are some of the best and worse parts of your job, day-to-day.
The best is doing something I am really passionate about and organising my routine in the most convenient way for myself.
The worst it is writing emails, I hate emails! Also being so hooked on working that I forget to eat.
What advice would you give students graduating in 2020?
Be strong and don’t be afraid to show off your work! I know how it is, thinking you don’t have enough work, or it’s not good enough and feeling lost. Just remind yourself to keep focused, make friends with other designers, go to conferences, events, exhibitions, and eventually you will find your feet!
What is the design landscape like on your city and where do you fit in?
Melbourne is a very cosmopolitan city. Design has become very interesting here because of the many influences from many different parts off the world. Being such a multicultural city, people are very opened minded and I think that’s why such good ideas emerge here. I feel the design community in Melbourne is very familiar, yet at the same time so big because of it’s many events, exhibitions and opportunities. I love contributing to part of that with my influences from the antipodes!
Where to find Laura:
Website: dela-chica.com
Instagram: @delachica.illustration
