Kaitlin Brito, a talented illustrator with a unique artistic voice, has carved out a successful career by prioritizing her creative process and protecting her 'pure making' time. In an interview with Creative Boom, Brito reveals the importance of setting aside dedicated time for pure creativity, even if it means sacrificing some paid work. This approach allows her to maintain her artistic integrity and produce work that resonates with her audience.
Brito's artistic style is characterized by her ability to find the whimsy in the mundane. Her work, which includes illustrations for Google, Disney, Pinterest, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and NPR, is known for its careful linework, bright flat color, and playful sense of nostalgia. This unique style has earned her recognition as a Society of Illustrators winner.
One of Brito's key tools is a black ink pen, which forces her to commit to her ideas without turning back. This approach aligns with her perfectionist tendencies and helps her unlock a freer part of her brain. Brito's preference for line art and flat color can be traced back to her early childhood, where she was fascinated by outlines and simple shapes. This foundation has shaped her artistic style and influenced her decision to focus on line work and flat color.
Brito's work often explores ordinary subjects and elevates them to a magical level. For example, her illustration for NPR about beans, a seemingly mundane topic, was transformed into a celebratory scene with bursting cans and a giant bean flexing its muscles. This ability to find wonder in everyday subjects is a hallmark of her artistic approach.
When it comes to commissions, Brito values a real back-and-forth with her clients and is selective about the projects she takes on. She has learned to spot briefs that won't deliver the desired collaboration and has developed a strategy to gauge her clients' interests early on. Brito's editorial jobs, which require fast turnaround times, are among her favorites because they allow her to rely more on concept than on the final look.
Brito's approach to AI image tools is one of cautious optimism. While she initially saw them as a threat, her confidence in her own voice has grown, and she is now more reassured by the positive response from brands that commission bespoke, human-made art. Brito values the physical mediums in her practice and is committed to developing something unique to her, rather than relying on code.
In conclusion, Kaitlin Brito's success lies in her ability to prioritize her creative process, maintain her artistic integrity, and find wonder in everyday subjects. Her unique style, combined with her selective approach to commissions and her appreciation for physical mediums, sets her apart in the illustration world. Brito's advice to her younger self is a reminder to stop and appreciate the process of making and evolving, as real success can be found in the simple joy of waking up every day to draw.
