In a world where creativity is often commodified and deadlines loom large, Kaitlin Brito's approach to illustration stands out as a refreshing reminder of the importance of artistic integrity and self-care. Her story, which we'll delve into, offers a unique perspective on navigating the challenges of a creative career while staying true to one's craft.
The Power of 'Pure Making'
Kaitlin's journey began with a moment of creative block, a feeling all too familiar to many artists. She describes it as a scary emptiness, a state where the mind feels utterly depleted. From this low point, she crafted a rule that has become her creative lifeline: prioritize 'pure making.'
What does this mean? Simply put, it's about listening to your inner artist and giving it space to breathe, even when deadlines are pressing. If an idea sparks, or even if it's just a desire to sketch your breakfast, Kaitlin urges you to follow that impulse. It's a practice that, she believes, helps to keep the joy in your paid work, blurring the lines between obligation and passion.
The Magic of Constraints
One of Kaitlin's favorite tools is a simple black ink pen. Why? Because it forces her to embrace a certain freedom. As an overthinker and perfectionist, she finds that this constraint actually liberates her. It prevents her from over-erasing and over-drawing, common pitfalls for perfectionists, and instead encourages a more organic, intuitive approach.
This instinct for linework, she reveals, has deep roots. It was during her final year at university that she truly embraced this style, combining line art with bright, flat colors. But the seeds were sown much earlier, with her childhood paintings consisting mostly of outlines, a style she naturally gravitated towards.
Finding Wonder in the Ordinary
Kaitlin's work often revolves around transforming the mundane into something magical. Take, for instance, her piece for NPR about beans. In a strained economy, beans become superheroes, a food that saves. It's a perfect example of how Kaitlin infuses her work with a sense of wonder and nostalgia, themes that resonate deeply with her audience.
Analogue Charm in a Digital World
Even when working digitally, Kaitlin strives to maintain the charm and imperfection of traditional, handmade art. She achieves this by using brushes that lack smoothing effects and by avoiding the temptation to redraw lines. This approach mimics the charm of analogue work, where mistakes are part of the process and can't be easily undone.
Reading Between the Lines of Briefs
Kaitlin values clients who engage in a genuine back-and-forth, appreciating her unique voice. She's learned to spot briefs that might not offer this level of collaboration, often signaled by an initial openness that masks a specific vision. Her strategy? Get the conversation started early, discussing concepts and themes to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Interestingly, she confesses to enjoying the challenge of abstract, fast-turnaround editorial jobs. These projects, she says, allow her to focus more on concept than appearance, relying on her ability to quickly visualize and assemble ideas like puzzle pieces.
Nostalgia, AI, and the Artist's Voice
Nostalgia is a trend that Kaitlin embraces, having always been a sentimental person. Her work aims to capture the warmth and excitement of childhood picture books, a theme that she believes will always resonate. As for AI image tools, while initially threatening, Kaitlin's confidence in her unique voice has grown, and she sees the value in human-made art, which audiences respond to positively.
The Long Game
Kaitlin's journey is a testament to the idea that success isn't always about doing more, faster. Her advice to her younger self? Slow down and enjoy the process. Real success, she believes, is waking up every day and drawing, a dream come true. It's a powerful reminder that in the pursuit of creative excellence, self-care and artistic integrity must never be compromised.
In a world that often tries to define our worth by our output, Kaitlin Brito's story is a much-needed breath of fresh air, encouraging us to prioritize our artistic voices and well-being.
