Sara Isabel Álvarez
Q What do you do?
“I illustrate, design, make GIFs and short animations in 2D & 3D Pixel Art.”
Working in a low pixel res style I create oneiric scenes for press, campaigns, covers, posters and more. Walk with me into my magical, funny and sometimes weird retro world!
ଘ(੭ ᐛ )━☆ﾟ.*･｡ﾟ
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I know it's a cliche, but I've always wanted to be an artist since I was a kid! What I liked most after (or during) school was drawing and watching my favorite cartoons. The idea that you can make a full episode just with regular drawings, one after the other, felt fascinating to me. Now, as an adult, I'm the one making and animating these drawings, and finally the endless cycle is completed!
I got my degree in Art and Design -specializing in graphic techniques- in Barcelona. But I learned to animate in a self-taught way years later. Pixel art actually helped me to do it, because it was an easy way to start working with basic shapes to make short GIFs. I just fell in love with this aesthetic, it's like designing one of my childhood video games. The entire process felt so much fun and I haven't stopped since! Nostalgic what?
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Having your own language! Consolidating my artistic style helps me to be more creative in the way I tackle a new project, even if that sounds contradictory. Because I can focus on the particularities of each process, and not in the language I will use for it.
Also, it helps you to shine in your field and make a difference among other artists. It’s important to create an image that works as a personal mark, your own artistic speech to communicate with others. Maybe it’s just a color palette, your tools, software, whatever.
When you feel comfortable in your language, with its symbols and codes, you can adapt it to each commission. The tone and style may change depending on the client, the project or the creative team you are working on -or even merge- but still have your daily basics to start the engines.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m investing time in designing and developing my website. Also, I’m taking press commissions for article illustrations or posters in newspapers and magazines. Also, I'm learning 3D just for fun!
Q What’s your style?
As it’s obvious by now, my art background is composed of retro pop/Japanese culture, video games and cartoons, but also mid century and modern furniture, design and architecture.
I focus on making clean and elegant compositions with a catch and trashy touch -sometimes even dark- full of pastel colors and gradients. Objects such as flowers and vases with multiple textures superimposed creates a still life charged with feeling. There are details that give messages to those who are willing to look and decipher.
On the other hand, I love 80's and 90's anime aesthetics and I'm also quite a comical person, who likes to have fun when working. I think this stands out especially in my animations, where movement allows me to generate more fun content with lots of details!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Animation. I really want to work more with press, but also in the music and film industry! And I'm focusing my effort on it right now. Projects such as short animations, posters and CD covers. Pixel Art is a language that you only see in video games or digital environments, so it's difficult to find projects where my style fits. But there's not too many pixel artists working as illustrators so I know it's just a matter of time before I find the perfect clients!
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Mostly the same two problems that all freelancers have:
1. Finding and building customer loyalty
2. Taxes
Send a good bunch of mails, be constant, update your RRSS… It's so tedious and I just want to have fun (drawing)! Also, I never thought that the worst ghosting would be done by your clients. It's frustrating when you don't get answers or feedback, or you do your taxes wrong because you studied art because you're really bad at math. But you have to hang in there, baby. :’-D
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
To be honest, I always wanted to have Minions to do the nasty and hard work for me. Probably just a couple of work assignments such as sending lots of mails, thinking about my finances, making invoices, updating my linkedin profile, cheering me up every morning, doing my laundry, following me while they explain my agenda for the day and I cancel all the appointments and most important brushing my cat Dafne. But just a regular accountant/assistant will be ok I guess. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Well sometimes I think that maybe if Sara from the college ages had worked harder instead of enjoying too much, things would be easier right now! Like start as soon as possible to build your artistic career or something. But everyone has to have fun or just need time to explore and discover down the road. Right now I'm pretty happy with how things have turned out, so I wouldn't change a thing. I really love the idea of traveling down time to visit my teenage/child self and make a high five saying WE DID IT! It's a thought that makes me move forward and smile.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would ask about how to improve my animation skills. That's pretty pixel freaky, but I want to learn more about sub-pixel animation and tips to make it perfect. Fortunately, we’ll always have tutorials!
Making a really good first impression is also a nice skill.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m mostly open to a variety of commissions because I enjoy learning and trying new things. If you think that my style fits in your project, just contact me! It would be a pleasure to talk about it! Animation, assets and backgrounds for videos/webs/video games, character design, packaging, voxel/3D art, illustrations, funny GIFs, lettering, a Christmas postcard for your family… The sky’s the limit!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
When someone is passionate about what you do, it just shows. And I’m lucky that happens to me often. I have a particular style so if someone contacts me it's a crush. When you don’t have to force your style, and you are able to explore the idea and get paid for the time spent… Say no more. I’m in!
For projects, I love when the idea is creative and kind of risky. When it forces you to try things and go out of your comfort zone just a bit. Also, I really appreciate when the briefing is made specifically for you or even with your images as reference too. Like ok, this is MY commission and I’m going to SHINE on it.
Q What is your rate?
My hourly rate is around $25-40 dollars. But it depends a lot, sometimes you work with a closed budget, or a day rate. Illustrations (depending on the detail, size, deadline, scope, etc.) typically start at 350 dollars, but it can be 500, 1000 or 2000 dollars. Are budgets open to be discussed? Yes. But what many clients don’t understand is that, if an assignment lasts a whole month, I have to earn a month’s salary at least, if you work a week, a quarter of a month, and so on. It’s as simple as that!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Easy, email me saraisa.alvarez@gmail.com and explain your idea!
Not too formal but transparent and direct conversations are a must. I feel delighted when someone contacts me for a new project and, if there is already a budget, they tell me straight. So we can quickly see if we both fit and negotiate.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
There’s too many people on my list. But Yuko Shimizu (not the Hello Kitty creator, the illustrator based in New York @yukoart it’s someone to highlight. She’s an amazing artist with insane drawing skills, but also a teacher. It’s her talks and tips that have really inspired me and have helped me to improve my workflow and my point of view about the role of the illustrator. If you are creative and ever have the chance to attend one of her talks, just go!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Put a mini challenge in every commission you’re working on, anytime you have the chance. This will keep it interesting and you will be constantly learning at the same time!
This member profile was originally published in October 2022.