Copyright Clancy Tucker (c)
MONTSE
RUBIO
- Guest Illustrator -
G'day guys,
Welcome to the world of a brilliant illustrator from Spain - Montse Rubio.
Welcome, Montse ... tell us how you do what you do ...
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR ILLUSTRATING JOURNEY.
My name is Montse Rubio and I am an illustrator from Barcelona (Spain).
For my work I use manual techniques and I try to give my books that warmth.
I am a staunch defender of nature and people, and always try to transmit in my
books.
WERE YOU GOOD AT DRAWING AS A KID?
I've been drawing since I have memory. Fortunately improves with age and
practice!
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ILLUSTRATOR?
I began studying art seriously very late, at 27 years old. I was an
accountant in a company and decided to change my life completely. Nowadays,
this change is the best thing I ever did.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING AN ILLUSTRATOR?
I am watercolorist, every time I start a watercolor I feel totally happy.
Apply the colors is part that I like more, but also all the creative process
of my work.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING AN ILLUSTRATOR?
Dealing with publishers, the negotiation. This is definitely the worst part
for me.
DO YOU WORK FOR YOURSELF, OTHERS OR BOTH?
It's a complicated question. If I answer honestly, I think my drawings are a
means to express myself. When I run out of words use the drawing. I do not know
if that's an individual need or a means of communication with others.
WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME AN ILLUSTRATOR?
As I explained above, an accountant with much unfulfilled dreams ...
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
I do not know, really. I do not give in to the complications, although my
mother says it is stubbornness :)
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I finished a book of myths of Cantabria (is a community in northern Spain).
In Spain there are many celtiberian myths much like Celtics myths of Ireland
and Scotland. I work for a publisher that attempts to retrieve and bring them
to young people.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEDIUM?
Watercolor and pen.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Nature, simple people, cloudy days, music, actually everything ...
Everything is beautiful if you look with the appropriate eyes.
WHAT DO YOU PREFER TO ILLUSTRATE?
Animals and nature in general I've always loved. I also like the face of
older people, the experiences that hide his eyes.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR EMERGING ILLUSTRATORS?
Hard work and enthusiasm. A strange combination but it works for me.
DO YOU SUFFER FROM ILLUSTRATOR’S BLOCK?
Fortunately, not yet and hopefully continue.
DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED SCHEDULE?
I like working with natural light, especially in the mornings. Although if I have to deliver a book, I work anytime.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PLACE TO ILLUSTRATE?
Working in my studio, at home. I spend many hours in it, so it is both my
favorite place and my worst nightmare :)
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST JOY IN YOUR WORK?
Now I see the world differently. Things are not ugly or beautiful, real or
unreal, now anything is possible.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ILLUSTRATOR AND WHY?
I don't have a favorite illustrator. I really like the classics like Arthur
Rackham, Edmund Dulac or Franklin Booth. Furthermore, Miyazaki Hayao (Studio
Ghibli) seems me a genius. Your landscape artist, Kazuo Oga, should be in
museums.
WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
I like the comments made by young children. They are free of damage and I
always bring a new vision.
WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
So far none. I appreciate the constructive comments because I know that I
have much to learn.
WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN
LIVES. ARE YOU?
Totally, I can't draw what I can't feel. Although it is sometimes a
inconvenient.
HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU ILLUSTRATED?
Fully illustrated by me, and published, about seven. In collaboration with
others, especially textbooks, more.
HAVE YOU WON ANY PRIZES OR AWARDS?
I am a very shy person, it is hard for me to introduce contests and sell my
work.
I think I've presented only a couple of awards and I have not won.
WHAT DID THEY MEAN TO YOU?
I am interested in drawing, and of course I want to make a living with that.
Learning is my passion, contests are not very important to me.
OTHER THAN DRAWING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?
I love music, I'm learning to play the violin. I think the music and the
artwork are very similar - both take a lifetime to learn. Also I love
reading and country walks.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ALL WORLD LEADERS IF YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY?
They should listen more to people and the planet and less to their greed. Today, these people make millions unhappy and seem not to care.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.
A nice spring day with lots of music and drawing in good company.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
For now, continue learning while you can. I do not like to think much about
the future. It’s too uncertain.
Web: http://www.montserubio.com/
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Blog: http://montserubio.blogspot.com.es/
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My new project blog:
http://severinamalaespina.blogspot.com.es/
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Email: montselun@gmail.com
Clancy's comment: Wow, Montse! I'm amazed that you have not won any awards for your work. Love ya work ... love ya work! - CT
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