We recently connected with Adriana Castillo and have shared our conversation below.

Adriana, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Is there really an exact moment when you decide your path? For me it’s a sum of different moments. 

Since childhood, I have always loved drawing and painting — it came naturally to me. As an only child, I had to find ways to entertain myself, and drawing and using my imagination to create something were the easiest and most fulfilling ways to pass the time. I didn’t have a concrete dream, but I was very clear that my future wouldn’t involve math or anything unrelated to creativity.

From a young age, I was also deeply attracted to children’s books and to manga. At that time, I thought it would be wonderful to become a children’s book illustrator or perhaps a mangaka! Everything seemed possible, and I had wonderful parents who understood and encouraged me.

However, when it came time to choose my path, I struggled with the decision. In my heart, I wanted to dedicate my life to drawing, but at that time, the reality in Mexico, my home country, was that cute, childish, and manga-like styles were not really popular or considered genuine “art”. I’m happy to see that this has changed since then. So, I decided to study art theory because I wanted to explore Japanese art, but again, at that time, universities didn’t offer Japanese-related degrees. Thats why I opted for something more general, like art management and art history, with the intention of specializing later through a master’s or PhD.

After university, I moved to France, hoping for better opportunities. I pursued my master’s at the Sorbonne while working part-time, and I wrote my thesis on a comparative study of graphic styles between traditional Ukiyo-e and their evolution in manga, focusing on fantastic female characters. After graduating, I aimed to pursue a PhD, but French bureaucracy, elections, and poor timing made it impossible. I lost my place and had to choose between returning home or starting to work. I chose the latter, but I hadn’t anticipated the lengthy and unrealistic requirements imposed by French bureaucracy on foreign graduates seeking work permits. I had to accept positions that weren’t directly related to my career and aspirations but allowed me to meet the requirements and maintain my residency in France.

I learned a lot from these work positions and I am grateful for the experience and some of the wonderful people I met during that time. But without realizing it, I lost a significant part of myself and drifted away from the path I had envisioned. Eventually, I reached a point where I had to question what I was doing and why I continued down this path. During a particularly difficult period at work, I got back to drawing as a form of therapy, that’s when I rediscovered my passion and found myself again. That change in my life made me realize that I needed to make a choice, take some time and pursue my true passion, seeking a career as a illustrator and designer.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m currently a newcomer in the creative industry, but I bring with me a solid background in communication and marketing, having worked in sectors like media groups, cultural institutions, and advertising agencies. I chose to leverage this experience to bring a more creative, passionate, and joyful dimension to my work through illustration and design.

My universe is playful, colorful, and a bit magical. Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to bright colors and the enchanting world of fairy tales filled with witches, fairies, and magical creatures set in breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by nature, flowers, and castles. I never accepted that this world belonged only to books, so I’ve always tried to capture a piece of that magic and infuse it into everyday life.

This desire to share a touch of magic led me to dedicate my work to helping passionate, female-led small businesses infuse life, vibrance, and personality into their brands and projects—all with a smile and contagious energy.

My goal is to listen attentively to what a client envision is and help them project theirs brand’s identity and what makes them unique. I can assist in designing your website, crafting a fresh new logo and brand identity, and creating custom patterns and personalized motifs. I also offer bespoke illustrations for various projects, including but not limited to CD covers, book illustrations, posters, stationery items, promotional goodies, cards, invitations or business cards.

What sets me apart?

– Creativity and Strategy in Equal Measure: In my studio, innovation happens at lightning speed, pushing style beyond the stars!

– Intercultural Spirit and Heart: Borders are not obstacles but opportunities to explore new horizons. I adapt seamlessly to various markets, embracing the diversity and uniqueness of each one.

– Endless Smiles and Good Vibes: Here, dark clouds don’t stand a chance. I approach life and work with a healthy dose of joy and positivity.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the hardest lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I needed to give 200% at work or in anything I did, without hesitation.

Since childhood, I was always told to do my absolute best—whether in school, university, or later in my career. Initially, this was because excelling in school was my primary responsibility, at university because it was my choice and career path. Later, it was because being a good worker was highly valued, and I was taught that you should always put in maximum effort, no matter how much personal time or energy it required. It was ingrained in me that performing well was my duty, especially since I was being paid to do so and because you have to think “dont be a burden to your coworkers”.

Unfortunately, no one ever taught me that while doing your best is important, it’s equally crucial to prioritize your physical and mental health. Things have changed, and now it’s more common to discuss well-being and health at work and also at home. I’ve faced challenges, particularly in navigating a career in a foreign country, but to me, that was just another reason to work harder and strive for excellence.

I’ve always enjoyed working, being part of a team, and never counting the hours I put in. But I had to learn the hard way that no matter how great you are at your job, you are still replaceable. For a long time, it was normal for me to work extra hours, never say no to additional tasks, and avoid taking time off— even hesitating to use my legally entitled holidays. It took time, support from my partner, and a particularly difficult experience to realize that while dedication to your work is commendable, you must also learn to say no and take the time to take care of yourself when needed. After all, if you’re not well, your work won’t be at its best either.

This was a tough lesson, but it has been crucial for my well-being and long-term success.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with people through empathy and creativity. I find immense satisfaction in listening carefully to their ideas and emotions and then bringing them to life through beautiful colors. There’s something profoundly fulfilling about knowing that my creations can evoke emotions—whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or inspiration—in someone else.

I love the challenge of understanding intangible concepts, like ideas or values, and then translating that understanding into visual expressions that resonate with the work and passion behind every small business. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my art can help these businesses communicate their identity and connect with their audience.

Another aspect I cherish is the ability to constantly explore and experiment with new techniques, discovering new facets of my work, and evolving in a way that brings me joy and inner stability. Above all, knowing that something I love doing can have a positive impact on others—whether it’s helping a brand find its visual identity or simply brightening someone’s day with a playful illustration—is immensely gratifying.

It’s a reminder that creativity has the power to influence and transform, which is what makes this path so meaningful to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adrianacastillo.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adriaatica/