Meet Lorena Bayona | Book illustrator & artist.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lorena Bayona and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lorena, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work-life balance: how has your balance changed over time? What do you think about the balance?

Work-life balance it’s something you learn over time, especially when you are a freelancer. We usually think that because we are freelancers we can manage our time differently or easier and don’t make me wrong it’s so good to have that freedom, that is why I am a freelancer.

But oftentimes I catch myself accepting a lot of work and even working longer hours that a normal employee, leading me with less time for me and my family.

So what it’s working for me it’s having boundaries: Like having a time limit for work (usually 9 to 6), learning to say no to clients, learning your workflow, having some breaks in between your day, and doing something fun or relaxing after work, answers your emails in work time, share with people or family around you, respect your weekends.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I remember that after studying advertising and working in a graphic design studio I was ready for a change. I always liked to draw, and always wanted to do something unique and different so I went on a creative-mission trip for 8 months, I reconnected to my purpose and I knew that I wanted to pursue some sort of creativity.

When I got back I went to the academy to study illustration, and there I discovered how much I like it. After that, I keep learning on my own, by practicing almost every day and creating my own commissions.

At first, I didn’t know how to paint in gouache and I started with basic brands and basic materials, you don’t need to start big just start with what you have. Practicing it’s the key and paying attention to the technique others use (how they apply color, how they play with light and shadows, etc).

Then you will realize that it’s easier, and if you don’t stop learning and practicing you will have a reacher proposal and tackle bigger projects with more confidence.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am not from California I was born in Colombia.

But every time I visit a new place or city, I always would take them to a museum, it’s the perfect place to know the background and history and I feel you will perceive it differently.

If a friend would visit me in Colombia, I will take it to:
– We will have breakfast at a good coffee shop, like Colo.
– Then I will go with them to the city center, and go to this pretty place on a mountain called Monserrate.
– Have tamal with hot chocolate in the Simon Bolivar plaza
– And experience some public transport, it’s wild but it’s worth it just to go once.
– End with a homemade arepa at my house.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Part of where I am today it been because of my family support, my husband, my friends, and being able to be surrounded with teachers that have helped my growth as an artist.

Website: www.lorenabayona.com

Instagram: @lorena.illustration

Other: www.lorenabayona.com/blog