RUTINA (routine)
The goal was to create a single illustration based on a microtext (maximum of 140 characters) that integrated at least 5 sequential images. I chose a text message I had sent that week to my best friend that said “Lately I feel like I live in a loop. I am exhausted”. ​
After moving back to Spain I decided to get my MA in Publicity and Editorial Illustration (LABASAD school), and this was an academic assignment for the Visual Narratives’ module. I enjoyed my studies very much, but I also had a full-time office job, an apartment to attend to and a reverse cultural shock to deal with. The first couple of months were exhausting and it reflected on my academic submissions.
I always use my lived experiences to create my work. I love to look back at my illustrations and remember what my life looked like at the very moment I was creating a piece: I always leave some small details behind for my future self. If you have made it this far, I'll show you what I am talking about:
This was my bedroom while I was taking this class and creating this image. ​ Does it look familiar?
If you zoom into the image, you'll be able to read the title of one of the files on the bag: 'All the young dudes'. It is the title of the audiobook I was listening to while drawing this illustration.
I love to include these details that may or may not be related to my life, or things I love, to make the character and the scene more believable. This is not an exact recreation of my own bedroom, but who doesn't have a corner full of pictures of loved ones? Or a handy place near the mirror where we keep our skincare, make up or any tools we use to groom ourselves?
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I like trying to find secrets in other people's work, as much as I like hiding them in mine. I hope you enjoyed going through this intimate space I created for the character. Drawing details like hair, thumbtacks or receipts is something I love doing at a technical level, but I feel like taking care of these mundane, small things help develop a deeper level within the drawing, tiny things to enjoy that keep you looking a bit longer. These snaps below are my favorite parts of the illustration.
I hope you enjoyed this little trip around the Routine illustration
