Meet Elizabeth Lazcano

We were lucky to catch up with Elizabeth Lazcano recently and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I was able to develop my confidence in my creative endeavors through my community. Being a new Illustrator at this time can become very overwhelming, and scary! I was very lucky to have the support group I have, my family, friends, and my husband have all helped me in one way or another. My confidence stems from these people who have helped me through the hardest times in my life. There were times where I didn’t want to draw or create, but these people were constantly reminding me of how great an artist I had become. They wanted to see more of what I could do! I was able to push through some dark times to find my love for art again because of them. To be a creative can become overwhelming, in any medium, and I know how hard it is to see other artists work. One thing I remind myself of often is that in my artistic journey I will only continue to get better, it may never be perfect, but it will be better. Something that helped me gain confidence on my own was keeping old artworks, comparing my art now to the pieces I was creating a few years ago has really helped my self esteem. I draw so much better than I did a few years ago! I never would have known this had I not kept my old pieces. Also remember not to compare yourself to others, some may be further in their artistic journey than you are. It can become disheartening to constantly compare yourself to others, instead use them as inspiration, because if you keep it up you too will reach that level one day!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a Latine Illustrator who focuses on Fantasy themes. As a young child I fell in love with fantasy creatures and stories, though many times I was unable to find characters that resembled me in them. In my works I do my best to be inclusive when creating fantasy characters. I want young children who often didn’t see themselves in this genre of art to be able to see a character and connect with it. I know that more and more artists are doing the same and I am so happy that we are getting more representation in this genre, because everyone should be able to see themselves in a board game, movie, or book! I create my art for those of us who have not been represented in media, whether you are a person of color, disabled, or Lgbtqia+ I am here to represent! I’ve been so very lucky to have worked with so many amazing people as an Illustrator, creating book covers, children’s book illustrations, stickers and logos! If you’d love to see my work you can on my website : https://iveezine.com/portfolios . You can also commission me as an artist on the website as well! You can follow my art journey on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethlazcano_illustration/ and buy prints of the pieces I have already created on InPrnt: https://www.inprnt.com/search/products?q=Elizabeth+lazcano

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think three of the most important things I have learned on my journey were self respect, self care, and support. Prior to going to school for Illustration I was unable to price my work, and honestly undersold myself constantly. In speaking to many of my instructors I was able to learn that this not only undermines my work but the work of other Illustrators. As creatives we tend to undersell our works, but our works take time, we deserve a livable wage! I learned to respect myself as an artist and charge the appropriate rate, I was worried at first that I wouldn’t get any customers because of it. Though at first my career started off slow I was able to slowly gain clients, that helped me build my confidence in my art and pricing. I deserved it, because I was taking time to create something meaningful for someone and making it the best I could!
As an artist it is easy to become engulfed in our work and slowly grow a distaste for creating. Being a freelance artist it can be so easy to overwork yourself, I have to remind myself to take a break. I have since learned to give myself a proper work schedule and remind myself to take time for myself. When I feel overwhelmed I take a break from drawing as a past time and I create jewelry, read or crochet. I also make sure I go out and get some sun, luckily my dog Daisy helps with that. I ensure I go on walks, hikes and beach days to keep myself sane! Remember to always take proper breaks and take care of yourself! Do things you enjoy that aren’t your job from time to time.
Support has been a big thing I have learned about, I have so many people who support me and I have adopted them into my community. Ensure that those who give you love receive love back! Also remember to support those in the same field you are in, I have built such a kind community of like minded creatives and artist. We all uplift each other and help each other, we can all excel in our fields, there is room for all of us. Support local artists, we are here to help one another out. Early in my journey I have had so many people willing to help me out and because of that I have learned to do the same. I am grateful to those who have helped me on my journey.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My father used to draw and paint on model cars. He is the one who taught me to draw. The moment he saw me drawing all over my coloring books he sat with me and taught me how to sketch a tree. He taught me how to shade, how to sketch a woman (that closely resembled my mother). Without my father I don’t think I would have ever chosen to become an Illustrator. He wanted to be an architect, he loved to create (and still does), and I hope I get my creativity from him. He always told me to work a job I love, and that was all he wanted in life for me. He wanted me to go into work loving what I do every day, and now I can say I do.
My mother has warmed up to the idea of me being an Illustrator and I know she supports me. My mother never wanted me to struggle, but she has always been there for me. I think now knowing I have her support in my career choice has been so impactful. I was always scared of disappointing my parents, but knowing I have both by my side proud of what I have accomplished has been amazing. As a child and as an adult my parents continue to impact me in many ways. I’m so glad to have both by my side knowing what I do and being proud of me. I care for both of them so deeply and they have done their absolute best in raising me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iveezine.com/portfolios
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethlazcano_illustration/
• Other: https://www.inprnt.com/search/products?q=Elizabeth+lazcano

Image Credits

Elizabeth Lazcano