Although most of my work is digital I take the time to draw in my sketchbook before finishing on screen. then I do a neater version of those sketches, putting together a somewhat clear storyline, which I revisit many times until I’m happy with it. I usually start doodling and adding notes without any order, trying to “catch” all the ideas I think might work for the project I have in mind. I also find inspiration in animated films, comic books, fashion design and performing arts. I welcome new experiences, such as traveling, learning to play an instrument or being part of a puppet company, these experiences encourage and influence my work. At school we used to create stories to explain many things we didn’t understand then, combining the religious education we received with our own beliefs. When I started writing my own stories I became interested in how we build our reality using our dreams, our beliefs and fears.

Nature as a protective and nurturing element is always present in my work. I was born in a place full of colorful flowers and birds, they are the main inspiration for my characters and illustrations. To find out a little more about her work, we asked Lorena the following questions:Įach one of my pieces is an attempt to create a small, colorful and whimsical world.

Since 2008, she has been part of “La Procesión Puppet Club”, an experimental puppetry group of illustrators and visual artists. She has illustrated for children books, independent publications, advertising and fashion magazines. And, last but not least, it's great to see the sibling relationship that is a working partnership, with ups and downs.Lorena Alvarez was born and raised in Bogotá, and studied Graphic Design and Arts at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. The fact that her parents both support and step back (they are not helicopter, or even snowplow, parents) is invaluable for readers to see on the page. And then there is Carmen herself (and, to be fair, her parents.) Carmen is a creative force of nature and a marvelous example of execution of these ideas, from start to finish, as well as a positive response to failure. Every page is generously packed with details and a riot of colors, from potted houseplants and refrigerator magnet, to bowls of fruit and stuffed toys. Her characters, with their big eyes, pink noses and colorful hair, are cinematic and surprisingly expressive. Gómez, who also writes and illustrates stunning graphic novels (see below), is an amazing illustrator.

Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the text with Gómez, who lives in Colombia, filling her illustrations with rich patterns and exuberant colors. There are SO MANY things I love about Carmen, Let's start with the fact that she and her family are Latinx, with Denise and Gómez integrating this seamlessly into the story without making it the story.

Hicotea by Lorena Alvarez Gomez