The CreativeMindClass Blog

Aug 6, 2022

I'm from Venezuela. I was raised in a tropical town that was surrounded by mountains and palm trees, however I it was never allowed for me to experience my surroundings fully (partly due to my parents' excessive protection and a lot more due to all the anxieties that surrounded my own country). Most of the time, television and books became my main ways of escape - as did drawing! I spent so much time drawing my favourite anime characters as well as my family, friends, pets I couldn't wear, costumes, or all sorts of things.

rain animation

It was mainly a hobby that I had a little bit aware that it would not go beyond that in Venezuela. My family then decided to move to UK, and this transformed everything for me. As a teen, I was finally allowed some autonomy, and I was allowed to go to places by myself and to think about what I wanted to do.

Digital Illustration by Marianna Madriz. A girl swiming in the sea.
Venezonalidad music playlist, 2020

My love for character design and narrative inspired me to read comics that in turn, inspired me to draw. The pieces all were put together. After some years of study (and many hours of work), I'm now freelancing as an Illustrator from London.

Digital Illustration by Marianna Madriz. A couple on a balcony.
The Balcony, 2020

I think my work is fun, bold and somewhat messy (in the best way!). Sometimes it can be simple but it could also be incredibly detailed; but it always features a character, or an animal, or a nice bit of nature. I love to believe that all my illustrations are all part of the same world.

Digital Illustration by Marianna Madriz. Group of cute monkeys on a leafy background.
Tarzan for Scoop Magazine, 2009

The key for me is having fun with it. It is easy to think of things that delighted me growing up: really vivid colours as well as sly characters, humorous scenarios, little details that you can be lost into. It is my goal to encompass the best of these things when I design something fresh. If I'm able to inspire the viewer to be excited or content, or feel like they have discovered something new and interesting, then I've succeeded in the goal I set for myself.

Digital Illustration by Marianna Madriz. Boats on a river.
Ancient Egypt, 2021

"Another essential element that I am looking for is humor. I realized over time that I'm not the most adequate person to make very complex or abstract artworks however I am fairly adept in producing something humorous that will bring a smile to someone's face. I play to my strengths currently."

You can follow Marianna's creative journey on her Instagram and see detailed drawings from the children's books she created during lockdowns as well as backstage photos of her redoing her Skillshare class to name a few. The links to the class and Marianna's books you can find on her web site.


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