Meet El Carrel

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful El Carrel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have El with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

This past year I have started tabling at various art fairs and conventions. While the deadline and timeframe help spur me into action, the smiles I have seen my work bring to people’s faces have given me enough energy to work for the rest of my life. This past September I added a small photo booth where I would do live portraiture drawings. People light up when they see themselves in work, it is beautiful. My work ethic comes from discipline and hard work, sure. However, it also comes from the smiles and joy that my work can bring to those around me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am currently a junior at Columbia College Chicago studying Illustration. My work is focused on bringing out the whimsy and imagination of others. I was inspired by stories and art when I was younger, so my goal is to inspire those around me. I believe anyone can pick up a pencil and create; my goal is to inspire more and spread the joy art can give us.

I was born in Normal, Illinois, and now I spend most of my time creating. I take my brand to various art fairs and conventions selling a variety of prints, and stickers. and even clay goods. The people excite me and fill me with so much creative energy. My true joy comes from talking to people and sharing our lived experiences.

I believe that being connected to your community and those around you is extremely important. That is why I am an avid member of Columbia College Chicago’s Illustration Student Group. I am currently on the graphics team, and I devote a lot of my time to this community. Our group even runs events like Inkfest, which is an upcoming art fair open to the public and has free entry.

Overall I am a dedicated artist who loves creating for the people!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I feel that I have a wide range of skills, from Adobe Photoshop to playing the oboe. However, three important skills have impacted my journey. First of all, I have an intense dedication to my craft. I try to draw or even create something small each day. Sometimes it is just a doodle in a sketchbook, but getting out of my comfort zone and just letting the creative juices flow has allowed me to improve my skills at an incredible pace. My empathy has allowed me to connect with others and connect me with the community around me. I always think about other’s stories and how that has impacted them. I believe it is so important to be connected to those around you because that is how you live. This connects to my last quality. I think it is so important to go out and live. Sometimes we get so holed up at our desks or studios and forget to take a breather or a walk. I believe that creation is a response to living. We are inspired by the coffee shop down the road or the park that we go sit at from time to time. I am dedicated to my craft, but also to experiencing life.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

My biggest area of growth has been in putting myself out there. Being an artist is all about having the discipline and energy to put yourself out there. I have applied to many internships and jobs and art fairs, most of which I did not get. However, it is important to try. I have grown more confident in what I can do right and what I need to improve through this process, I have become a better artist through this process, What I always try to keep in mind is the worst thing someone can say is no, so go for it. Put yourself out there and talk to others. One of my professors said something that stuck with me. “Talent isn’t enough.” You cannot just rely on your artistic talent, but you have to have the courage to put yourself out there.

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