Q: Originally from Brasília, what are some of your favorite things about living and working in your hometown?

A: No matter how many times I had the opportunity of living in other cities and countries, I always ended returning to Brasília somehow! But because of that I suspect I can appreciate better the advantages and quirks of this strange town. Brasília can be a very inspiring place to live if you keep your eyes open, your sketchbook ready and your pencil sharp.

 Q: Do you keep a sketchbook? What is the balance between the art you create on paper versus in the computer?

A: Yes I do. I like to sketch and create on paper first. I only sit before the computer when I have a good number of sketches done. I try to avoid working work entirely with just the computer. I need pencil and paper first!

Q; What do you like best about your workspace? Do you think it needs improvement, if so, what would you change?

A: My workplace is my “sanctum,” the place I can be alone and free to create and explore new ideas. The only improvement I can think of is that it could be larger—I always need more space!

Q: How do you organize an assignment before you start drawing? Do you make lists and thumbnails ?

A: Being organized is very important, makes things a little bit easier. I do make lists, notes, thumbnails and little sketches. I also research a lot about the subject or theme I’m drawing. 

Q: How do you know when the art is finished?

A: Well, sometimes the art is finished when it’s just feel right. Sometimes it’s all about the deadline looming. And sometimes it’s never really done… you just have to let it go.

Q: What was the strangest or most unusual assignment you’ve taken?

A: So far nobody asked anything strange or unusual. But I’m not sure if that is something good or bad!

Q: What was your favorite book as a child? What is the best book you’ve recently read?

A: As a child I was really into comic books. Well, I still love comic books to this day. I love Peanuts by Charles Schulz. The best book I recently read was Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil by Tom Mueller. 

Q: If you had to choose one medium to work in for an entire year, eliminating all others, what medium would you choose?

A: I would love to dedicate extra time to work with pastel! Maybe one day I will be able to do that!

Q: If you could time travel to any era, any place, where would you go?

A: I would go to the Hyborian Age. And there I would do what it’s best in life.

Q: What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?

A: Inspiration comes from many and unsuspecting sources. What I like most is to meet other fellow artists and share experiences and stories. I also like to travel, to visit bookstores, museums and listen to music from new artists.

Q: What was the painting or drawing or film that most affected your approach to art? [the Thunderbolt]

A: I can’t think about an specific painting or drawing but I can tell you my favorite film: Being There, by Hal Ashby

Q: What advice would you give a young artist about applying to an art school or college?

A: An artist is bound to be the odd one, so embrace your oddness! Live an interesting life, find great friends, search for meaningful experiences. And let your voice to be heard through your art. 

Q: What would be your last supper?

Lemon flavoured ice-cream with pink lemonade.

Ed. Note: Don’t forget to download and build Carlos’s fun paper toys, here

Carlos Araujo is an illustrator currently based in Brazil. After years successfully working as a graphic designer, he decided to focus his career on illustration. And since then wonderful things happened.Today you can find his illustrations in books, magazines, album covers, toys, art shows, posters and other products worldwide.

His illustration style uses silhouettes and high contrast figures with a modern and whimsical approach. A lot of his illustrations look like a scene captured from an animated movie like they are a part of a larger story or from the same fabricated world. And instead of saying "style" he prefers the technical term "my way." Blog Twitter Facebook Pinterest Google+ Flickr ello