This month’s art is by Latin illustrator Flavia Mayer. Flavia expresses emotions and thoughts through bold images, from gentle women to wild tigers, and her work explores complex themes such as mental health, nature, the universe, and our connection to our deepest selves. We approach this theme. she says: “Creativity and metamorphosis are deeply connected. Just as a butterfly has to go through stages of caterpillar and cocoon to become this exquisite and unique creature, so too can our ideas reach their final form. You have to go through several forms to get to your destination. “
If you want to know a little more about Flávia, check out our short Q&A.
Where is home for you?
This year, I decided to embrace a little bit of the so-called “digital nomad” life. I currently live in Spain, but am planning to visit my family in France, England, and Brazil.
What is your definition of a successful life?
For me, success is not about getting the perfect job or having a lot of money. Yes, these things are important, but even more important is making time to do the things that truly make you happy. Therefore, a successful life is one that balances spending time with friends and family, working at what you love, and taking care of yourself. I know it’s not that easy!
Describe your perfect day.
I love slow mornings, so a perfect day starts with me lying in bed, a big cup of coffee and maybe some breakfast with avocado toast. It’s definitely a sunny day, so you’ll probably be walking along the beach or along the river, visiting the local market, or having a picnic with friends and family. At the end of the day, definitely watch a good movie under the blanket.
How did you get into the world of design?
I’ve loved drawing since I was little. I was selling my drawings at school! Then one day, a friend of mine suggested I study graphic design to combine my drawing skills with something more practical (I’m a very practical person, and art is a bit abstract for me). (Because it seemed too much.) That’s it! If she hadn’t encouraged me, I think I would have studied astrophysics or something.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Oh, I think it’s everywhere! Besides going to museums or just walking around the city, nature is also a great source of inspiration for me. I also love spending time on Pinterest and Dribbble when I want to find more specific inspiration. There’s a lot of good stuff there.
What is your dream design project?
There are so many projects I want to do! I’m currently talking with a composer friend about creating an animated short using her music. I’m new to animation so it’s a big challenge, but I hope it goes well!
Who are the designers and thinkers who influence or inspire you?
There are many! Lauren Homme has always been a huge inspiration to me in finding my voice. Studio Muti’s illustrations are out of this world, and I’ve always admired them. Elizabeth Gilbert and Julia Cameron are both great thinkers and can be a great help when you hit a creative block, or even just to maintain your mental health.
What is the inspiration behind this design?
Butterflies are very beautiful creatures. Each person has their own unique personality, to be creative in the most authentic way, to grow with each cycle we go through in life, to lock away our ideas for a while in order to one day take them out into the world. inspires us.
What is your favorite so far…
Color: light blue
Food: Avocado toast
Song: Atravesao by Elsa y El Mar
Quote:
“If we’re lucky, we might find what we couldn’t escape in the place we once called home.”
Dispatch to France (2021)
