It’s time for another kidlit interview! We are excited to have Ezequiel Sierra, a kidlit illustrator and Video Game Designer, stopping by All Ages of Geek today! Ezequiel has worked on numerous projects that are both fun and kid-friendly. Join us as we learn more about his journey and the amazing projects he has been involved with. If you’re a fan of video games you will also appreciate how Ezequiel gives tips about the industry and his hope for the future.
What makes your work different?
It’s a very good question, that like every artist you come to ask yourself at some point in your journey, in my case I would say that I always try to capture the image of innocence through color, texture and expressiveness of my characters, in addition to convey a feeling or emotion in the scene created with fantastic elements, which has been an essential part of me, in a few words I would say that all work is a small part of my inner child
Who is your support team for your work?
Basically my family is the most important part of being who I am today, without neglecting teachers with whom in the most constructive way helped me grow professionally and also colleagues who in one way or another inspired me with their advice and his works.
Where do you usually work? Home studio? Study room? Cafe?
I have a small space at home where my setup is, (I would say a very small studio at home) although if I have the possibility I also usually do it when I’m traveling with the traditional method (pencil and sketchbook) and from there I spend it to digital, but without a doubt I love that small space where everything comes out spontaneously and fluidly.
List 3 books that inspire you!
These are my 3 favorite books:
- The Little Prince
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Coraline
What are some worlds you’d like to explore in fiction?
I love the worlds that video games usually show us, a medium that I greatly appreciate. but having to be specific, I would be fascinated to be in a world like Ori’s. It would be very beautiful to see a magical forest like that, the creatures and all the fauna are beautiful.
What’s your favorite tool to create with? Pencil? Digital? Typewriter? Computer?
I love working digitally because of the benefits it has, but going back to the traditional always helps me improve even more, so even though my work is based on digital, I always try to go back to the roots of drawing.
How do you create characters?
I always rely on the references of everything I like (yes, using references doesn’t make you a cheater) video games, movies, books and artists, all of this always inspires me to create a concept and story, also the people close to me make me inspired me to create characters with similar qualities and situations.
What types of stories do you want more or personally?
Stories of adventure and fantasy, I’m fascinated by worlds filled with these two elements with characters that constantly surpass themselves
What was your first picture book, comic, etc?
I haven’t officially worked on an Picture Book yet, but I’ve done book covers inspired by Coraline or The Little Prince, which I hope to show soon.
Who inspired you as a kid?
My father When I was little my father used to paint pictures with the oil technique, so from then on my artistic side came out of me.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Painter or video game designer.
What can All Ages of Geek do more for the kidlit world? What do you want to see us do?
All Ages of Geek is doing a fantastic job and the fact that they open these spaces for small artists like me, will help people dedicated to the medium (representatives, authors, etc.) to turn to see us and thus both you and us to grow this wonderful community.
What do you think about All Ages of Geek? Who do you think we should interview next? Any creators you want to give a special shout out to?
All the content made by All Ages of geek is wonderful, I love that they make this community grow in all possible ways, podcasts, videos or articles like this. You don’t know how grateful I am for opening this space for me, it is truly an honor that they allowed me to be part of this great community.
I recommend @geryrdz I greatly admire his work.
Where can people find your work online?
Can you find me IG: https://instagram.com/ezart93 Pinterest: https://pin.it/gLS6EUD
Thank you! Draw, draw and don’t stop drawing!
Illustration is an incredibly important learning tool for helping kids improve social skills by exploring and expressing themselves through creativity. Since illustration allows kids to explore all forms of mediums, it encourages critical thinking in a fun and interactive way. Kidlit illustration can also be used to help kids express their feelings in a safe and positive way. Illustration should be embraced by parents and educators alike, since it helps kids become more confident and engaged learners.
All Ages of Geek is committed to providing free kidlit resources for parents and teachers about illustration through our kids show “Galaxy-Boy Delivery”. With our comprehensive library of interviews, videos and other digital resources, you will be able to find an array of tools and information to help you learn more about the art of illustration. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help you on your kidlit journey!
If you would like to help us continue our ventures, consider supporting us over on Patreon for some fun, interactive videos with the Stec Sisters!
