We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leticia Plate. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leticia below.
Leticia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
By nature, I’m a optimist and the first to see the sunny side of things. My outlook is hopeful.
Yet, if you choose the life of an illustrator, learning resilience is par for the course.
It’s the kind of career that opens you to rejection, having to put yourself out there, constantly adjusting and learning new things and techniques. Also, it’s a balancing act between being an illustrator and the inevitable other jobs that you will have to do to make a living.
I know very few illustrators who are full-time illustrators. Most of us are illustrators AND something else. The way I see it is that everything is inspiration and no knowledge is ever wasted, so one is always growing or learning. You really have to believe in yourself: many times I’ve thought about dropping everything and changing profession completely, but I it turns out that I cannot do it, illustration is so much part of who I am.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve been illustrating for books, magazines and editorial publications across the US for many years. I was born in Buenos Aires, raised in Rome, and moved to New York City to study illustration at School of Visual Arts. I have combined influences from multiple languages and cultures to create a unique visual language all of my own. My signature style is all about expressive line and playful color. I draw first with ink on paper then apply the color digitally, this way the line remains fresh and lively.
There are always elements of positivity, whimsy and cheerfulness to my pieces.
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?
Be open to change. Every re-adjustment in life is an opportunity to learn more about the world and your fellow humans. Be always curious.
Ask questions! In the printshop at my school there was a sign that read “The only stupid question is the one you didn’t ask” , and it’s true: asking questions is a way of learning more, and maybe avoid some obvious mistake. If you think you know everything, you are not making space for new learning. Make sure you get inspiration from many different sources, like movies, music, reading, talking to friends, exploring your town… your creative diet should be varied!
Seek awe: every day, be pleasantly surprised by some little bit of joy or beauty.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m overwhelmed, I go back to the very basics: breathing- Breathing exercises will help center me again, and so does yoga or a quiet walk alone. Drawing without a plan helps too, doodling is a form of meditation for me. I’m very lucky to say that I have a very supportive family and a wonderful group of friends that help me when things get difficult.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leticiaplate.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leticiaplate/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leticiaplate/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
