Artist Interview – Vivi Campos

On The table Read, the “Best Celebrity Magazine in the UK“, artist Vivi Campos talks about her artwork, the work that goes into her business, and what inspires her.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Brazilian artist Vivi Campos about her life and career, what inspires her art, and experiences from running her business.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I am a Brazilian artist and I am 29 years old. I graduated in fashion design 8 years ago and worked in the textile industry as a pattern designer in the following years.

I started drawing in childhood as a hobby and never knew about the financial potential of an artistic career, but only about 4 years ago I was moved by the desire to return to drawing and make it a profession in addition to a purpose of bringing light and well-being through my work for people who feel affinity with me and my work.

What is the name of your business?

Vivi Campos

How did you come up with that name?

For about 1 year I used a studio name but I noticed that it was just for fear of showing who I really was. As I also have no intention of having a team or a studio, it no longer makes sense so I started using my own name as a nickname (Vivi comes from Viviane).

What products do you sell?

Currently I only sell illustration services for advertising, magazines and commercials in general.

What lessons have you taken to learn your craft or are you self-taught?

I’m self-taught, I learned everything by observation

How has your work changed or developed since you started?

In terms of business, I was just observing and talking to other artists, those who already worked with big brands and were recognized in the market, so I aimed in that direction and discovered my own way of making things happen, with mistakes and successes.

In terms of technique or style, everything was developed by consuming other arts that inspired me and identified me. It’s what I usually call a repertoire, we don’t get ideas from nothing, they’re always insights based on everything you’ve consumed, including experiences in life. So the more repertoire you have, the more your work will develop and evolve.

Do you have a special workspace, or can you work anywhere?

Yes, I currently have a home office where I go just to work. I share it with my boyfriend. However I love the freedom to be able to draw, in bed, on the sofa  or on a plane. So I have an iPad that allows me to work from wherever I want.

Does music inspire or distract you?

It depends on the music. Music in general does not have an extra effect while drawing. However, I consider instrumental music and soundtracks from some movies and series really inspiring.

Is your business your full-time job or a side hustle?

I have dedicated myself exclusively to my business for 2 years, so I am currently a full-time illustrator.

Are your family and friends supportive of your creative work?

My family was initially unsupportive, we always believed it was a side hustle and couldn’t earn enough doing it. Currently they are really seeing that I earn much more than when I was employed, so today they support me.

The friends I had during my life were always supportive, especially today, I have very affectionate friends with my work.

Do you sell online and/or in person?

Just online.

How do you promote your business and find new customers?

In 2 ways. First I make sure to be present on portfolio platforms where clients tend to look for talent like behance, on strong social networks like instagram, on freelance service marketplaces like fiverr, I have my own website and I make sure everything is up to date and well presented with my best pieces featured.

Second, I do active prospecting, sending emails to brands and agencies that hire professionals like me. It’s a long and tiring task, as almost always they won’t have an ideal project for you at the moment, but it creates a valuable network in the long run.

Are you proud of your work and what you’ve achieved so far?

Yes definitely! Sometimes we can get a little discouraged and frustrated but that’s part of the artistic journey. In general I am grateful for the quality of my work, the beautiful purpose I gave it, the lovely clients I have had and the financial return I was able to achieve in 2 years that I would never have achieved before.

Do you have any goals for the future you can share with us?

Yes! I want to release a new style of illustration soon, very different from the current one, so I’m going to have 2 different styles and portfolios.

I also have growth goals of course. I want to reach more people each year with my project “The Skin that I wear” and I’d also love to be commissioned by other global brands like Nike, Adidas, Coca-Cola, Netflix, Apple, Vogue, The New York Times, Google, Nestlé, etc… I’ve already been commissioned by Disney, so I feel like this is an achievable goal!

Do you have any special career highlights you’d love to experience again?

Yes, when I did a series of illustrations about the zodiac that earned me a highlight flag on Behance and when I was commissioned by Disney.

Share all your work and social links so readers can find more:

https://en.vivicampos.com

https://www.instagram.com/vivicampos.ilustra

https://www.behance.net/vivicampos

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