In a world where creativity is often commodified and deadlines loom large, Kaitlin Brito's approach to illustration is a refreshing reminder of the importance of protecting one's artistic integrity. Her story, a testament to the power of 'pure making,' offers a unique perspective on the creative process and the challenges artists face in a commercial landscape.
The Importance of Self-Care for Creatives
Kaitlin's journey began with a moment of creative block, a feeling all too familiar to many artists. She describes it as an 'absolute emptiness,' a scary sensation that prompted her to establish a crucial rule: prioritize personal creative endeavors, even when time is scarce.
"If I have an idea, I just do it. I don't ignore the call to create because it helps me later on." - Kaitlin Brito
This philosophy is a powerful antidote to the burnout that can easily creep into the lives of busy creatives. By setting aside time for 'pure making,' Kaitlin ensures that her paid work benefits from a refreshed and inspired mindset. It's a strategy that might seem obvious in hindsight, but as she points out, it's easy to forget when deadlines are pressing.
Unlocking Creative Freedom
One of the most intriguing aspects of Kaitlin's process is her relationship with her favorite tool: a black ink pen. For someone who describes herself as an overthinker and perfectionist, the pen's irreversibility might seem like a hindrance. However, Kaitlin sees it as a key to unlocking her creativity. By limiting herself to this medium, she frees her mind from the constraints of perfectionism, allowing her to create with a sense of spontaneity and freedom.
"I've never considered it a constraint. It's like a key to unlocking a freer part of my brain." - Kaitlin Brito
This approach is a fascinating insight into the psychology of creativity. It challenges the notion that artists must have an unlimited palette of options to create their best work. Instead, Kaitlin demonstrates that sometimes, less is more, and self-imposed limitations can lead to greater creative freedom.
Finding Wonder in the Ordinary
A significant part of Kaitlin's work involves transforming the mundane into something magical. Her illustrations often capture the whimsy and nostalgia of everyday life, a skill she honed during her university years. Even as a child, her paintings were primarily outlines, a style that evolved into her signature bright, flat colors and careful linework.
One of her most memorable projects was an illustration for NPR about the increasing consumption of beans during economic strain. Kaitlin saw an opportunity to showcase beans as superheroes, a creative twist that turned a potentially boring topic into a captivating scene. This ability to find wonder in the ordinary is a testament to her unique artistic voice.
Maintaining Analogue Charm in a Digital World
When working digitally, Kaitlin strives to preserve the handmade quality of traditional art. She achieves this by using brushes without smoothing effects and avoiding the temptation to redraw lines. This approach mimics the charm of analogue work, where mistakes are part of the process and can't be easily undone.
"I try my best not to redraw a line more than once. It mimics the charm of analogue work." - Kaitlin Brito
This attention to detail ensures that her digital illustrations retain a certain warmth and authenticity, a quality that is often lost in highly rendered, computer-generated art.
Navigating Client Briefs and Editorial Work
Kaitlin's success lies not only in her artistic style but also in her ability to navigate client briefs and editorial work. She seeks clients who value her unique voice and are open to a collaborative process. When faced with briefs that offer little guidance, she takes the initiative to discuss concepts and themes early on, ensuring a clear understanding of the client's vision.
She also embraces the challenge of abstract, fast-turnaround editorial jobs, seeing them as an opportunity to rely on concept rather than visual aesthetics. By breaking down the subject into puzzle pieces, she creates a visual library that eventually falls into place, resulting in unique and captivating illustrations.
Nostalgia, AI, and the Future of Illustration
Kaitlin's nostalgic style, a blend of warm colors and playful nostalgia, has found its place in a trend-driven industry. While some artists might worry about being typecast, Kaitlin's sentimentality runs deep, predating the current vogue for nostalgic illustration. Her work aims to capture the wonder and excitement of childhood, a theme that resonates universally.
When it comes to AI image tools, Kaitlin's initial fears have evolved into a more nuanced perspective. As public opinion and her own confidence in her artistic voice have grown, she sees AI as less of a threat. She finds reassurance in the continued demand for human-made, bespoke art and the positive response it receives from audiences.
"Open any comment section, and you'll see happiness and inspiration." - Kaitlin Brito
This observation highlights the unique connection between artists and their audiences, a connection that AI tools struggle to replicate.
The Long Game: Success and Self-Reflection
Kaitlin's journey is a reminder that success is not solely measured by output and skill acquisition. Her advice to her younger self is to slow down and appreciate the process of creation. Real success, she argues, is waking up every day and doing what you love, a simple yet powerful notion.
In a fast-paced industry, Kaitlin Brito's story serves as a much-needed reminder to prioritize self-care, embrace creative freedom, and find wonder in the ordinary. Her approach to illustration is a testament to the power of staying true to one's artistic voice and the importance of enjoying the creative journey.
