We recently connected with Genie Espinosa and have shared our conversation below.
Genie, appreciate you joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
As a creative, I found myself struggling with more than unpaid invoices or eternal projects. When I started working as an artist, i thought learning and giving my best every time would be enough to keep moving forward but I found myself struggling with imposter syndrome, a heavy rock that sometimes paralyses me and brings me down.
It’s been 13 years as a freelancer and sometimes it gets easier, I see the work I’ve done and I am so proud I have been able to work with amazing clients, be part of exhibitions and talks, being able to have made two graphic novels and won awards because of them.
It feels like i have a shadow behind me and sometimes it gets closer and I can feel the weight. It’s a voice that says I am not good enough, not trained enough, that I don’t deserve where I am, although I’ve been working so hard and put so many hours into it.
When these moments of struggle happen, I sometimes take a breath (if I can) and start moving slowly, I try to communicate within my work everything that’s happening because I do believe honesty and communication are key for an honest relationship with anyone who sees my artwork.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am an illustrator and comic artist, I’ve sone also murals and worked as a character designer for different studios. I decided to quit my job as a graphic designer in marketing and pursue my dream of becoming a full time illustrator, It wasn’t easy, i was quite lost, i moved to the UK because Spain wasn’t really welcoming for a freelancer at the time. I was quite lucky i signed with an agency straight away and that helped me develop my style. I illustrated kids books for the first 6 years and then, after a huge episode of a burnout I started doing my own comics and zines just to release steam and that was a peak in my career. Everything shifted, I suddenly started working with my own words and vision, i got asked to illustrate articles for magazines and newspapers and suddenly some brands were interested on them too. So my personal style started to move forward and evolve into super big chonky characters with an attitude, most of my work portrays female and non normative body shapes. That’s because I want to empower and connect with these who might struggle and offer a safe space with my art.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
feeling valued, supported, by people sharing our work, buying it and reviewing it. It feels like that feedback is the most important for us artists who are speaking with our art.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
creating connections, either with other artists, clients and viewers. That’s the best, when you can sit down and share an honest view and feel that you’re digitally holding hands.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://geniespinosa.com
- Instagram: @geniespinosa
- Twitter: @geniespinosa
