So, I'm on My Space, scoping out potential candidates to be discovered, when I run across my My Space buddy, Mouse. His photo is being represented by this absolutely adorable illustration. I asked who did this characterization and he responded with, Esther Sanchez. I looked her up immediately. She is as adorably cute as her illustrations and paintings.
See!See!
Full Name: Esther Sanchez
Age: 29
Currently Residing: Kitchener
Currently Listening to: right this second, Le Tigre
It would only make sense that her characters, as animated
as they are, be used for some iconic fashion on say...a messenger bag
or a tee-shirt. Her wide eyed female characters are reminiscent of pop
anime characters or at least that is what comes to my mind upon first
viewing or some super fem fatale cartoon. Esther has been "drawing
and painting forever" and it shows. I decided to get to know a little
more about this talented artiste.
1. When did you start to develop
your talent?
My style started to develop after college when I first began experimenting
with different mediums. My illustrations have evolved a great deal in
the past couple of years and I love it now more than ever.
2.
Do you feel it's difficult to get your name out as an artist without becoming
somewhat commercial?
I guess it depends what you're trying to do with your art. There are artists
who do commercial work and are not recognized for it, and artists who
do some really cool shit on their own which lands them in the spotlight.
It's difficult to get your name out in any creative pursuit.
3. Where do your ideas stem
from?
Sometimes I'll see a crazy colour combo in a flower or a piece of candy
or I'll be walking down the street and see someone with great style walking
in front of a really cool building. Ideas are everywhere.
4. Most interesting thing you've
done as an artist?
I love collaborating with other artists. Its exciting to bounce endless
ideas off one another. It's amazing just what comes from different minds
when people work together on the same project.
5. One word that describes
you. One word that describes your art.
Fun
6.
You use a lot of color in your "girls"....do you think this
sets a certain mood for each of their characters?
Color creates a certain mood, definitely, some color combinations are
amazing for that. I love it when certain colors are beside each other
and you can't stop looking at them. My favorite example of this is the
dark greens in camouflage beside hot pink. In my illustrations, mood is
also created by a combination of the girls individual style, her pose
and her surroundings.
7. Ever think of doing a cartoon?
Yes!
8. How did you become involved
with Vanessa Guerrero (and is she related to the great Tommy Guerrero?)
and tell us a bit about your own clothing line, Pirate Love?
Vanessa (a really cool fashion designer) is a good friend of mine. Currently
she's launching her own clothing line Bettie & Veronyka. I design
her promo materials and have designed some prints to stencil onto her
gorgeous fashions. We're in the process of planning a fashion art show.
PS. No relation to Tommy
Pirate Love happened because I wanted to see what my illustrations would look like on clothes. I decided to approach it as a full clothing line based on a series of cutie pirate couples I drew. I had some samples made, and so far there's been a great response. Pirate Love is still at the beginning stage since I'm learning everything as I go. The clothes will be available to purchase online soon.
9.
What does the future hold for Esther Sanchez?
Hmmmm, top secret projects, some crazy collaborations and a move to NYC!
10. Cocoa Puffs or Fruity Pebbles?
mmmm Cocoa Puffs
I could hardly do Miss Sanchez justice here but if you would like to see more of her work as well as her Pirate Love line you can visit her at www.esthersanchez.com . We look forward to having Esther migrate to New York!