Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Villarreal
Hi Allison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in the US but raised in Mexico, which has given me a unique perspective on life. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Texas in San Antonio, but my heart took a different path when I discovered my passion for illustration.
It all started in 2020, during the pandemic. I found myself in isolation in my small studio, which turned out to be my sanctuary. In that space, I began to channel all my emotions, hopes, and determination into creating art. It became a way for me to express what I was feeling during such a tumultuous time.
My illustrations draw heavily from nostalgia. I often find myself reminiscing about my fondest childhood memories. Whenever I feel sadness or anxiety creeping in, I turn to those memories for comfort—they offer me a sense of solace. Through my art, I aim to convey those deep emotions and connect with others on a personal level.
I believe that my generation, especially those of us who left our childhood countries before reaching adulthood, bridges the gap between our past and our future. However, that can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection, as we often struggle to fully belong to any one place.
That’s why I’m passionate about creating a community of people who share similar memories and experiences. I hope to connect with others through my art and build a sense of belonging for all of us who have navigated these complexities. It’s about finding solace together in our shared stories.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I deal with is impostor syndrome. Since I never went to art school, I often catch myself feeling like my work isn’t really legitimate or that I’m not a “real” artist. This feeling is even stronger because most of my art is digital, and I’ve had people tell me that digital art doesn’t count as “real” art. It can be tough to shake off those doubts and really own my artistic path.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Most of my work is inspired by Mexican and pop culture. I have a strong appreciation for nostalgic art, especially pieces that evoke memories, such as your grandmother’s favorite chair on the patio surrounded by plants or a room filled with your favorite childhood games and snacks that remind you of carefree late-night gatherings.
What sets me apart is my use of color. I love experimenting with gradients and bright, playful colors that I believe bring joy into a home. Given that many modern homes are often painted in gray and neutral tones, I aim to introduce some vibrancy and happiness through my art. As someone with an architectural background, I’ve noticed this trend in new constructions, and I want to offer a refreshing contrast. I believe my art brings a little color and joy back into the home.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love discovering new apps, especially those related to art. There’s something exciting about starting with a new blank page to create on. One of my favorite apps is Procreate; I do most, if not all, of my art on this platform. It’s super user-friendly, and they constantly update it to improve usability.
For larger projects, I use Affinity Designer, which is a budget-friendly alternative to Adobe’s applications.
When it comes to podcasts, I enjoy anything related to true crime. It helps me focus while I work, and I find the investigative process that detectives go through fascinating. Dateline does a great job in this genre.
One of my favorite activities is following local artists, entrepreneurs, and influencers. I draw inspiration from them to improve myself. I believe our community should take pride in everyone’s success and use that to motivate one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allyison.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ally.is.on
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ally.is.on.illustrations/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-s-villarreal/
- Other: https://folio.procreate.com/allyison
