Question 1: How long does it take you for each of your art pieces to make? And to you what is the most important thing about art?
“The time I spend on each drawing really depends on the reference I am doing. But usually, it takes me one or two hours to complete a drawing. Sometimes when I am creating a poster or a drawing that includes a lot of players it could take 3 or more hours since they have more details, background, and of course, more people to draw.”
“I think the most important thing about art is being able to connect with people and express yourself by doing so. I post a drawing every day and the reactions and the feedback that I get and know that I made someone’s day a little better are the most important parts and what motivates me to keep doing this. And since I started doing personalized drawings the reactions are incredible. I am so grateful to create memories and be a part of special moments that people get to share with their families!.”
Question 2: How do you come up with amazing ideas to draw the Niners? And what are the many things you love about the Niners?
“Coming up with new ideas for the drawings is the most challenging part, I guess. Me and my boyfriend Filipe are always brainstorming ideas and thinking of new references to include. We always try to keep up with everything that is happening with the Niners, in the NFL, and even in Pop Culture. We try to mix that with references to things we like such as movies, music albums, TV shows, etc. And of course, a lot of people give me suggestions, so that helps me a lot!.”
“I am kind of new to the American Football World. I didn’t know anything about it or the Niners before I started to draw Jimmy. So the past year was definitely a learning experience! My art allowed me to be a part of this amazing community of 49ers fans who welcomed me since day one! On my trip to San Francisco earlier this year I got to watch a Niners game live and the way the fans came together and the environment at Levi Stadium was unbelievable! This is definitely one of the things I like most about the 49ers the fans, the people, and besides that, we have an incredible team not only as players but as people as well! They really look like a family and I think that is an important thing! But the organization is great and we have amazing people leading us hopefully to the SB!.”
Question 3: What was your learning process on drawing and procreating? And what is something young people like me can learn from drawing on procreate
“Before I started drawing on Procreate, I was used to drawing on paper so it took a little time to flip the switch and feel comfortable with drawing directly on an iPad. But digital illustrations were something that really fascinated me and I always wanted to learn so when I graduated from College I bought an iPad and started experimenting.
The app is very intuitive and I watch some YouTube videos to learn all the secrets and shortcuts, so that helped a lot! But now it just comes naturally and it’s also fun to create! I think that everyone who starts using the app can feel very comfortable drawing because it doesn’t matter if you made a mistake you can always create another layer and go back on a line that didn’t come out as well as you wanted.
It also gives you the option to upload pictures and do animations, so it’s really about using your imagination and not being stuck drawing with a pencil on paper like we normally do.”
Question 4: What advice would you give young girls/boys who want to draw but are told they are not good enough? And what impact do you want to make in the world?
“I think drawing is an ability that takes time and a lot of practice. I have studied art in high school and in college and I still have a lot to learn! So if it’s something you really love and enjoy doing don’t give up! It’s a process and you’ll find your way! You will find your style and it will be unique! There’s no such thing as “not good enough”. You work hard and you practice and in time you’ll see yourself get better and better!.”
“I just want to be able to connect with people through my drawings and my art, and make them feel something it’s laughter, nostalgia, or just to bring a little smile!.”
“I think the world it’s a better place with art in it (in any form, music, movies, etc.) and I like to think being a part of it makes me and the world better. We all have something to say and this is my way of doing that!.”
Question 5: How would you describe your art style? And how is it unique to you?
“I think my style is evolving and I think if you go back and see how I started and how I’m now, you can see what I mean.
It was hard in the beginning to find my style and to find my style and to find something I was comfortable with so I kind of started with making doodles styled drawings and it grew from there.
As I was getting more comfortable with the iPad and procreating, I learned how to use new brushes and improve my drawing techniques and the drawings started getting more detailed and just started looking a little better.”
I explore different ways of drawing and you can also see that in some of the different series that I have been doing (for example in the Vladdy Jr Home Run Series).
So with time, I guess this style just came naturally to me and I know I can improve it and I am always trying to find new ways of evolving. It’s all part of the process and I hope I will continue to grow and learn.”
Last Question: How has art changed your life for the better?
“Art has been an integral part of my life, and I believe it has changed me for the better in numerous ways. As a digital illustrator with a background in art from high school and college, I’ve experienced the transformative power of artistic expression firsthand. “
“First, art has given me a unique lens through which to view the world. It has given me the ability to perceive life from different perspectives. Through the act of creating art, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty and meaning in the everyday mundane aspects of life that might otherwise go unnoticed. It has taught me to find inspiration in the ordinary, which has made my existence richer and more fulfilling.“
“ Art has also cultivated my sense of curiosity. It encourages me to question, explore, and understand the world around me in a deeper way. Whether it’s the details in a painting, the emotions in a piece of music, or hidden messages in a film. It constantly challenges me to look beyond the surface and search for underlying connections in everything.”
“Creativity is one of the most significant gifts art has given me. The process of creating art fuels my imagination and allows me to bring my ideas to life. It has made me more open to experimentation and unafraid of making mistakes, knowing that even in failure there is an opportunity to learn and grow. Creativity has no boundaries and it can lead to endless possibilities.”
“One important thing is art has encouraged me to be in a perpetual state of exploration and self-discovery.”
“It inspires me to seek something more, whether it’s mastering a new technique, exploring a different style, or diving into something completely new! This constant quest for improvement and evolution has translated into other aspects of my life motivating me to push my boundaries and strive for personal growth.”
“One of the most beautiful aspects of art is its versatility. It can be anything you want it to be, a reflection of your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It is a way of self-expression that goes beyond words and allows me to communicate with the world in a profound and meaningful way. Through art, I can convey my joys, sorrows, and insights and connect with others on a deeper level.”
