We recently connected with Otávio Santos de Albuquerque and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Otávio thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Hi! Thank you for reaching out, I really appreciate this opportunity. Some of my most meaningful projects are currently in development, so I can’t say much about them. But from previous work, I would say that my “SCAD Food Drive Triptych” illustration, which I created for a poster assignment, encapsulates a depth of meaning and impact I strive for in my work. That illustration was inspired by a quote by Matt Kahn about donating to those in need, and how the food you may stock “just in case” can be someone’s “just in time.” This is a reminder of an immediate action step so many of us can take to help one another. It can also be clothing. The cold months are approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, so now is a good time to donate warm clothes. Maybe it’s $5 you can donate to a family in need of evacuation from Gaza in order to survive the genocide. “Working for a cause, not for the applause”, a quote I believe by Grace Lichtenstein, is another important quote he shared more recently, and has helped me remember how much tangible positive change we can achieve when not lost in polishing our egos, and instead using our creative voice to serve the greater collective wellbeing.

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?

Absolutely! My name is Otávio Santos de Albuquerque, and I am a Brazilian illustrator and concept artist. I graduated from the Savannah College of Art with a B.F.A in illustration and a concentration in concept design. Currently, I work as a freelance illustrator. Art has always permeated my life, and I am fortunate enough to have been surrounded by a family who supported my art throughout my whole life. What inspired me to go in the direction of illustration specifically was my love of drawing and painting combined with my interest in characters and storytelling.

As a freelance illustrator, I can work with companies and individuals who need artwork for a variety of uses. If you are an animation or game studio, I can deliver concept art. If you are a magazine or paper, I can deliver poignant editorial illustrations and cartoons. If you are a business looking to sell a product, I can provide engaging advertisement illustrations. If you are a non-profit bringing positive change to the world, I can create visually striking posters to enhance your message. If you are pet owner, I can deliver memorable and beautiful pet portraits. If you are a person who shows appreciation to your loved ones by giving them unique creative gifts, I can deliver meaningful portraits and fun personalized commissions. So, if you are a patron of the arts, I have work to offer.

In my independent work, the theme I am most interested in exploring is our relationship with Nature, and how it reflects itself in our interconnected journeys of personal and collective growth. My approach to illustration ranges from realistic to caricaturized, and I work both traditionally and digitally, often blending both. For analog art, I gravitate toward graphite pencil and gouache. As for digital software, I use Procreate and Affinity. My favorite practice is still sketching in my sketchbook.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, to leave this world better than I found it, and also to enjoy each step in the journey of realizing my full artistic potential.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

To me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the fulfilment I feel when communicating ideas, messages, and feelings through visual, written, and musical stories.  This process is alchemical and often cathartic, allowing even the most difficult emotions to express their voice by harmonizing with authenticity. Being an artist feeds my desire to learn and grow, and satisfies my need to experience and contribute to the endless beauty of existence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.otavioalbuquerque.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otaviosantosart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/otavioalbuquerque/

Image Credits

Larissa Loper (Featured Photo)