Nina Ramos
Who are you and how did you start making art? Why do you make art?
I am Nina Ramos , a Brazilian illustrator, currently living in Toronto, Canada . I started to make art when I was a little kid, I remember myself always drawing cute things to give my teachers. After I graduated in high school I decided to start to work with art and I've been doing good since then.
I aim to bring joy to children through art and inspire future illustrators, just as I was inspired by the books of my childhood. I love to use bright colors to feel like I live in a magical world and I hope that when people see my art they feel like being transported to a beautiful place too. As a children's books illustrator, I am represented by Jemiscoe Chambers-Black of Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
What do you do to get into your creative zone?
First of all: COFFEE! and really good music too. And also when I am around my books, pencils and paints I feel a lot inspired.
What is your inspiration? Or how has your personal experience influenced your creativity?
When I was a child I used to read a lot, especially fantasy books, probably that's why I am always doing something magical. I love to draw things related to women and power, because I grew up surrounded by strong women like my mother and my 2 sisters. And, I grew up in the countryside, so that is why I LOVE to draw plants, flowers, trees… That's my favorite thing to draw for sure.
What is your most important artists’ tool, the one thing you couldn’t imagine creating without?
Most of my work is digital, but my background is traditional art. I taught realistic drawing for 4 years in my hometown, so I can not imagine myself without a common paper and a pencil, simple as that, is where all the big and small projects begin.
How has your practice changed over the past 2 years?
Two years ago I was in a transition from Realistic Drawing to Children’s book style, that was a biiig change, a lot of new stuff to learn, I did the opposite percurse, I had to stop doing more detailed drawings and start todrawing more simples, seems to be easier but is not, I had to put aside the addiction of leaving everything very real and representing reality in a more summarized and subjective way, it was difficult but I managed it with a lot of study and practice and today I'm where I wanted to be.
What is your dream creative project or dream team collaboration?
I have so many… But my number one is to illustrate one version of Harry Potter Books. It doesn't cost anything to dream, right ? haha
Who are your biggest influences (art, music, film, socials, activism etc)?
(can we skip that one? I can not choose it )
What is the role of an artist in society?
I believe we always have to be brave and manifest when something is not right. We must use our art in favor of improvements in society. Art is manifestation and freedom, my art is my voice, it speaks for me, so I have responsibilities as an artist.
Do you have any tips or practices to share with people who are making the lifestyle shift towards zero-waste and sustainable practices?
Just keep going. Sometimes it will seem that it is not worth it, that you are alone, that this will not help at all, but just keep doing our part. I always take a while before buying something to research about the company.I feel great when I use/buy something that I know comes from a place I can trust.
What is the highlight of collaborating with Wrappr for you?
For sure it is to be an immigrant artist and work with a local Canadian company. It's a very big personal achievement for me. It's an amazing way of being recognized as an artist and it feels so great to see my art around the city that I choose to live in.
What is your favourite way to use a Wrappr? Bonus points for originality!
In my bag and hat for sure, I just love it. But taking it to the park for an afternoon of drawing or reading, is definitely the winner.
https://ninaramos.me/portfolio
