Interview with a professional artist: Marcelo Baez

I have a special new post today. An interview with a friend of mine who is a successful professional artist. I hope interviews will become a regular feature on my blog as I find inspiration and motivation from people who are living their dreams.

Marcelo Baez, photo by Rachael Baez. See more of Rachael's polaroid's on http://www.polanoid.net/(username rachaelb) 

Marcelo, how would you describe your job?

Awesome!! Seriously I would describe myself as an illustrative designer/creative problem solver! Which I guess encompasses graphic design and illustration for a variety of applications.

Have you always worked freelance?

No, I worked full-time for a major metropolitan newspaper/magazine for about 13 years, mainly as a graphic designer and occasional illustrator.

I started on the advertising side working with creative services which helped sales teams sell to advertisers around Australia. A few years later I "jumped the fence" to editorial and became a magazine designer.

Did you create comic books when you commuted to Sydney for work?

Yes...In my 13 years, I spent a good part of my 3 hr commute sitting on the train sketching and writing...It became a great practice too, like free life drawing classes! It made the train commute very enjoyable...sometimes...

How did you find the time and have the energy to work on your own projects?

Well, I had the 3hrs a day sitting on my butt looking out the window (which is nice..) so the time was there, and on a moving train there is very little distractions. It actually became very easy for me to concentrate (once I got over people looking at me working on my sketch book) ...headphones with my music... I was actually very productive...

How many hours a day do you work? 

Now I work 7 to 10 hrs a day depending on workflow...but I think commuting to Sydney I used to work 12 to 14hrs days.

Have the techniques you use to juggle commissions and your comic books changed since you work from home?

I've started teaching myself to sketch in Photoshop which has really sped up my production for comics and across the board, I've also been learning 3D model building. Using these new tools have not only been fun but have helped my speed in a BIG way! 

Any advice for other people trying to fit their creative passions in around their day jobs?

This may sound corny but, minimum one solid hour a day, everyday, will make a big difference. Turn it into a habit and you will grow. If you are passionate about what you do, you will make the time and enjoy it too! 

Here is a little quote that I keep above my drawing desk:

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?"

Since talking to Marcelo I am being more disciplined about doing a little every day. It makes me feel good because I am taking active steps towards my goals.

Link here to Marcelo's blog, Marcelo Draws to see his art work and find out more about his comics and zine fairs.  You can also check for regular updates through my blog roll on the right of this page.

Thanks Marcelo