We recently connected with Fernanda Perez and have shared our conversation below.

Fernanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’d say my first real spark came from my stepdad, actually. He was always the one inviting me to illustration workshops. Even before that, I was constantly painting and drawing—any surface or spare moment I had, I was sketching something. But it wasn’t until I attended one of those workshops that I realized, “Wait, I could actually get paid for doing something I love?” That moment hit me when I met some incredible illustrators—who, by the way, weren’t just amazing at their craft, but genuinely good people. I made friends who, like me, enjoyed sitting around drawing and coming up with new ideas. I loved the experience so much that I just wanted to keep doing it, for as long as possible.

That first step into the creative world also opened doors for me, and I realized that pursuing illustration and design wasn’t just a hobby—it could be a career. And here I am, still doing what I love, thanks to those early days filled with sketches, good company, and a lot of inspiration.

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 a Nicaraguan illustrator and web designer with over 10 years of experience in the creative industry. My journey into this field started with a paintbrush in one hand and a sketchbook in the other—I’ve always been creating, whether it was drawing, painting, or doodling on anything I could find. Over time, my passion for visual storytelling evolved into a professional career that lets me merge art and technology.

Currently, I work as a senior web designer for a digital marketing company, while also pursuing illustration projects. My work spans across various creative fields: from designing user-friendly websites to crafting unique illustrations that bring ideas to life. For me, each project is an opportunity to solve problems visually, whether it’s helping a client create a strong online presence or making complex ideas easier to understand through visuals.

When it comes to illustration, personal projects are some of my absolute favorites. There’s nothing quite like the moment when a client sees the final illustration for the first time—their reactions, the emotions it stirs in them—it’s incredibly exciting. It’s those moments that remind me why I love doing what I do. Seeing how something I created can make someone feel or resonate with their vision is truly rewarding.

What sets me apart? I’d say it’s the blend of my two disciplines—illustration and web design. Combining these allows me to not only make things look great but also to ensure they work seamlessly. I pride myself on being able to balance creativity with functionality.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’ve been able to turn something I love into a full-fledged career. I’ve had the chance to work with incredible clients and teams, and I love that every project brings a new challenge. For potential clients or followers, I want them to know that I approach each project with passion, dedication, and a good dose of curiosity. Whether it’s a website or an illustration, I’m always striving to create work that’s not only visually appealing but meaningful.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing the client’s reaction when they lay eyes on the final piece. It’s that incredible feeling when they’re so excited, so moved by the artwork, that they might even tear up a little. You know that moment in Ratatouille when the critic takes a bite and is instantly transported to a special memory? That’s exactly what it’s like. If my art can evoke that kind of emotional response, bring someone back to a cherished moment, or simply make them feel joy—well, that’s the magic right there. It’s those moments that remind me why I love doing what I do.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I’d say up until now, it’s the realization that you’re always in the process of knowing. There’s no magical resource that gives you all the answers at once—though that would have been nice, right? It’s more like a constant journey of discovery. I wish I had known earlier that the learning never stops, and that’s actually a good thing. Whether it’s new techniques, tools, or ways to navigate the creative industry, you’re always picking up new insights along the way. So, I guess the resource I wish I had known about sooner is patience—with myself and with the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elbosquedelachinita.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elbosquedelachinita/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elbosquedelachinita/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernanda-perez-0a0a8baa/

Image Credits

@Grethel.pavon