"Jotaka" is a Spanish Illustrator who creates cute and pretty illustrations using colored textured paper. In ordinary life his name is Juan Carlos, and he lives in Valencia, Spain. All his works are unique, each has its own style, and the characters in his illustrations are very optimistic and funny. The technique of this artist's work is quite simple: he cuts out the paper elements of a new composition and pastes them on top of each other, creating a collage. We were very curious to know a little bit more about him.
Discover the world of paper illustrations made by Jotaka.
How would you describe your style? Because I’ll never confuse your pictures with illustrations by other artists. Maybe you have some secrets?
Thank you! I just want people to smile when they see my work and enjoy it. No secrets, just draw what you really like with your own personality and your own way of seeing the world.
What techniques do you use? And what tools?
A little bit of everything. I live surrounded by colored cardboards, watercolors, scalpels, glue, color pencils, and Photoshop.
I know that you work a lot with paper designs. How did you start and why?
I started to do paper crafts out of curiosity, trying to do something new. I like the technique, working with paper, coloring it…
What materials do you enjoy working with the most?
Painting with watercolors relaxes me a lot, for example.
Could you describe what a productive day would look like from your point of view?
A productive day for me is one where you relax to the fullest and enjoy your work. When you really enjoy your work, you produce more and better art.
Artists who have influenced you the most?
Artists like McBess, Brosmind, or Steve Simpson.
What do you believe people first think, or feel, when they look at your work?
I think they feel a common identity with my characters and their personalities.
Participating in exhibitions – a big part of an illustrator’s work. Tell us, what’s your experience in this field and what results have you seen after participating?
All the exhibitions I have done have been with other illustrators. I would like to prepare my own exhibition by the end of the year. There is too much work behind them, and I want to do it well.
What are you working on at the moment, and is there one project you are particularly proud of?
I’m working for a coffee brand at the moment. Some watercolor illustrations and videos of “making of” for social media for the brand.
Do you prefer getting full artistic freedom for a project, or a more defined direction from the client?
Full artistic freedom is amazing.
Does it ever happen that a client contacts you based on your existing work, but then starts pushing you into a direction you’re not comfortable with?
All the work I’ve done with clients has been satisfactory, I’ve never made an illustration that I did not feel satisfied with.
What do you do when you run out of ideas and get stuck?
Take a walk and go see my friends.
You seem to put a lot of effort into social media. Because you are so popular on Instagram and Facebook! How has social media helped further your career? Can you offer some tips to help our readers get the most from social networks?
I think social media is essential if you want to work as an illustrator. Times are changing, and the Internet is the best weapon for us. My tips for getting the most out of social media are: get your work done, do it well, upload your work on the Internet, and be constant.
How do you think online design resources (blogs, tutorials, forums, etc.) have influenced the art being produced today?
There is a lot of information on the Internet (it saves our lives ha ha) it’s the best way to read, and see others’ work…
Do you have a wild project that you dream of achieving some day?
I work on my own projects when I get time. But I would like to make a crazy colorful project for a brand like Adidas for example. I’d love it.
What scares you most about the next five years?
I’m talking about your profession of course! I don’t think about mine.
What kind of a legacy do you want to leave behind? Do you want to be remembered?
I don’t worry about those things. I think: just do my job well and grow for myself.
What’s the best thing about being an illustrator?
Working for your passion.
Read more here.
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