We were lucky to catch up with Rebecca De Araujo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Rebecca thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I really never understood the whole “starving artist”’ trope. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to do something with the arts. Although, that “something” changed over time, varying from teaching art, to graphic design, to animation, and finally, to illustration. Luckily, my parents supported me my entire life, never doubting that I could be successful in my field. But of course, like any artist, I have crossed paths with many people who questioned the confidence I carried within my field. I’ve gotten ‘How are you going to make money?’, along with, ‘You’re a smart girl, why don’t you go to medical or law school instead?’ (Despite the fact that acing a pattern design critique is quite different than acing the LSATS). I never understand why people can’t see how much art goes into everything surrounding us in our daily lives. From the patterns on the clothes you’re wearing, to the website design you got your breakfast recipe off of, to the billboard ad you see on your way to work, to the design on the box your nightly tea is packaged in. Ever since I was little, I was able to recognize all of this, and how many people put so much work into making it all a reality. Even though the specifics of what I wanted to do has changed over time, I never doubted I’d have something to work on. Right out of school, I started my job as a print designer at Abercrombie and Fitch Kids, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. The fact that I can earn a living off of something I love doing, something I spent so much time learning about and practicing at school, makes me happier than ever. I don’t think I’d want to change anything about my journey. All the highs and lows brought me to where I am now, and they’ll continue to happen and help me grow.
Rebecca, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve been interested in art my entire life. Like all young kids, I had many interests growing up, but art was the one passion that stuck with me through all the changes. My art became more focused in college, and I became more interested in pattern design. I’m really drawn to pretty florals, and light, harmonious colors within my work. I really try to keep my artwork light and airy, but with a touch of sophistication. I want my work to be taken seriously, while at the same time, continue to be delicate and intricate. I’ve begun to work more digitally as I’ve gotten older, but would love to get back into the traditional way of things. I enjoy watercolor and gouache, and adore painting figure studies. Now that I’m out of school and have completed the main chunk of my portfolio work, I’d love to get back into this way of creating. Separating my work from the art I create at my job, and the art I create in my free time to relax, has become very important in maintaining my relationship and love for my craft.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
The amount of appreciation for art has varied over time. It comes in waves, and we’re at a weird time where we should be appreciating art now more than ever, and we’re not. During the main surge of the pandemic and lockdown, art, in all forms, was the only thing keeping us going. From the tv shows we were binging, to the books we were reading, to the new recipes we were trying, to online shopping, to doodling, to absolutely anything and everything, art was involved. I remember seeing a poll surface during the midst of the pandemic about the 4 or 5 most non-essential jobs, and ‘artist’ was one of them. Yet, what was there left to enjoy then, if there weren’t artists creating? We need to begin recognizing artists for the huge contribution they give to all of society. Purchase work from small artists, recommend new shows and movies, visit art museums and galleries. Recognize how lucky we are to have access to these mediums while we still can.
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
I think for the first time in my life, there isn’t a main goal that I’m shooting for. First it was advancing grade after grade, then getting into an art school, then graduating with a 4.0, then finding and securing a job. And now I’m at that strange point right after college, where I have that job, and I don’t know what big goal to strive for anymore. I’m living completely on my own for the first time, with a job I could hypothetically have for the rest of my life. I don’t have a major life change anywhere in my near future. It’s strange, but also amazing, that the only goal I really have to work for now is to better myself and my craft. To keep practicing. Which, in hindsight, is really all I’ve been working toward my whole life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rebeccadearaujo.com/
- Instagram: @becdeart
- Facebook: Rebecca de Araujo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccadearaujo/
Image Credits
Personal Photo taken by Elizabeth Massey.