We were lucky to catch up with Carmen Pizarro recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carmen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was working on an illustration with the Brooklyn Public Library on their Pride Campaign last year for Pride month. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to work with a local organization that is essential to the community. Highlighting local queer artists along with giving me full reign of how I want to approach the project was so refreshing. It really helped me connect with a lot of peers in my borough. I felt that I was a part of something bigger than me and to be able to celebrate it. Its always heartwarming when people ask about the project or show me their bookmark with my illustration on it.

Carmen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Carmen Pizarro, a Latine Illustrator and Comics Creator based in NYC. I am an alumni from the School of Visual Arts. Mostly known for my illustrative work but in recent years have been dabbling my hand at creating comics. In my off time, you can find me tabling at local art and comic events selling prints, merch, and self-published indie comics. My work blends my experience as a second generation immigrant and highlights my multicultural background to display a broader representation.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To be honest, any type of support! In a world where artists are undervalued and unappreciated, any form of support from liking a post on social media to wearing merch from an artist to showing up to events makes all the difference. Many opportunities has presented themselves by chance encounters and cannot stress how much small gestures makes waves!

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

Most rewarding aspect of my creative endeavors is to put it simply, connections. Being able to connect to others through my illustrations or comics has been the most gratifying experience. My work often focuses on relationships and seeing friendships prosper from showcasing my comic or peers recognizing my illustrations helps me strive to better my practice and hone my skills. Without the support of fellow creatives and artists, I wouldn’t have come so far in my journey and be as strong as an artist as I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carmenpizarro.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizarropizarro/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/bizarropizarro_
• Other: https://bsky.app/profile/bizarropizarro.bsky.social