Last month I was invited by Hillside Avenue School in Cranford, NJ to speak to some awesome 7th graders about my career as an illustrator. Thank you all so much for being such awesome kids.
This weekend one of their teachers Mrs. Jacobs came by our house to personally deliver some of the BEST Thank You cards I've ever received. I also had some questions they took time to write that I never got to answering that I thought would be fun to answer: How long have you been drawing? My first memories are drawing on the floor of my grandmas house..I believe I was 4 years old. How long have you been illustrating professionally? 10 years. What was the first book you ever illustrated? An early reader book called, “Dawns Hiccups” by Lynne Robertson published by Oxford University Press. You can find a video reading of it here. What inspired you to be an illustrator? Inspiration comes from everywhere and everyone who Ive ever met. My dad taught me line art. My mom hired me to draw a mural for her classroom once at the age of 8. My cousin Rebekah always inspires me to be more creative. Then there’s Walt Disney, Bob Ross, Ezra Keats, John Steptoe this list goes on and on. Who helped you along the way? Aside from my husband Aaron, and my incredible agents Christina Tugeau & Christy Ewers, I didn’t really have anyone who thought it was a good idea to pursue a career as an artist. Since no one in my family ever really pursued their personal passion, I fought to get here and earned my place. I didn’t listen to the warnings of my family and friends who didn’t know what was on the other side of struggling to make it into an art career because as much as it came from a good place they knew as much as I did which wasn’t much at all. What made you choose this drawing style? Did you have any other styles you like? Style is always evolving. My style has completely changed over the years and I think it will always continue to do so. What makes you want to draw? Drawing was always my happy place. It was always something I did that created a connection to other people. What do you start with when you begin an illustration project? Research. Lots and lots of research. I can take anywhere from 1-4 days just looking for photo references and color schemes. How long does it take for you to complete a full book? It can take any where from 4-7months. Have you ever turned down a book? Unfortunately yes. It really is the worst feeling for me when I have to turn down a project due to conflicting schedules. What illustration are you most proud of? I’m most proud of the illustrations that people can relate to and knowing it touched them. I love all types of illustration. I love collage work and art that can tug at my heart strings without words. Is anyone in your family an artist? Yes. My dads mom has been known to draw photorealistic sketches. Most of my cousins are graphic designers, calligraphy artist, photographers and are so much more talented than I am. What was the most meaningful illustration you’ve ever created? Most of my personal projects usually come from a sentimental place. “Lost” was a very personal piece for me. When I was 7 I got lost inside the Brooklyn aquarium and I was petrified. I felt so small and everyones feet looked the same and unfamiliar all at once. Have you ever considered animating your stories? That would be lovely! I would love to see one of my illustrations come to life one of these days. *fingers crossed* Thank you again to the awesome middle graders at the Hillside Ave. Be kind and live life with your whole heart. Your 10,000 hours is ticking. What will you make out of it? I hope to see you guys around town. xoxo N. Mata
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Hey! I'm Niña, I really like to draw. I love exploring textures and enjoy finding patterns in random places.
I'm a wifey to a dreamy guy, and a mommy to one awesome kid and we're all tolerated by a really grumpy cat. You can find me mostly on instagram. Archives
May 2021
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