Toronto-based visual artist Victor Mosquera spent all of October crafting black and white sci-fantasies. Done as part of the Inktober series (one drawing a day for an entire month), the 31 piece collection is featured throughout this article. 31 pieces that form a world of Mosquera's own. Where levitation is possible. Where sting rays can be steered like horses. Where hands are as bag as buildings. Where faces pull apart as a form of meditation. Where nighttime is a silent saga.
While Mosquera has a boatload of incredible work in the past (including recent artwork for the group Dirty Heads) as well as plenty of assignments planned for the future, this interview focuses on his Inktober pieces, including the process, the inspiration, and how he plans on binding and selling them as a properly packaged collection.
Describe your month-long experience/process if you can.
It's a bittersweet experience for me because I'm usually pretty busy with work, so finding time to do a sketch every day it can be pretty challenging, but at the same time is a good thing to do! Of course! I'm sharpening my skills every day. Specially because I do not use traditional tools that often.
How long, on average, did you spend with your daily Inktober pieces?
I spent around 40-1.5 hours on each one. The part that takes more time for me is coming up with the idea. Sometimes I have a clear idea of what I want but sometimes I have no idea what I'm about to do, so the whole thing becomes experimentation (which is probably my favourite way of creating art).
Do you take longer on your pieces outside of October?
Oh yeah! I don't have the pressure of posting one a day so I don't rush it.
With all of the Inktober pieces, what do you plan on doing with them?
I'm putting together a small book compiling all the sketches. I did that last year and it's a nice way to just have all the drawings in one place. It's also my main motivation as I'm doing the Inktober because I really love to see the final product. I'm also selling all the originals this year :)
Now that Inktober is over, what do you plan on doing for the remainder of 2017 and into 2018?
I have a lot of stuff planned! But first I need a break :) I'm spending a whole month in Colombia (my hometown) and then I'm going to start sharing new artworks and all the projects I've been working on during the year.
What are some studio essentials?
For my Inktober work I just used faber Castell Pitt pens and Sumi ink. But for most of my work I just need Photoshop and some music. I need to have music almost at all times while working. I also keep a guitar handy to play when I get tired of staring at the screen.
What one visual art / comic book would you recommend to an aspiring illustrator?
If you want to see some cool shit go check "Views" by Roger Dean!
If you want knowledge go check out "Alla Prima" by Richard Schmid
What's the last good movie that you saw?
Blade Runner 2049
What is the art scene like in Toronto?
I just moved to toronto a few years ago but I love it so far. There is always something like a fair or art show going on. I feel like it's still growing. Is nothing like the scene in places like L.A or SF.
Do you have any advice for visual artists working on their craft?
Question yourself. I see way too many good commercial art but empty at the same time. Not unique enough. So I encourage people to question why are they painting what they paint. Work hard! Just put in the hours into your work and also and this is super important...GIVE YOUR BODY AND MIND A BREAK! Go enjoy your life so you have inspiration to put into your work.
Any final thoughts / words of wisdom?
Work - live - work! Don't compare yourself to others :) good luck with your art guys!
