Meet Maria Contreras Aravena | Illustrator, artist graphic designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Contreras Aravena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I have always struggled with balance in all areas of my life, I do not master it, it is something that does not seem to exist, or if it does exist, it is something in which chaos, obsession, tragedy, and fear are part, only Thinking that the representation of nature is balance and seeing how a volcano explodes or there is a tsunami from time to time confirms this theory of the relativity of balance. I am from Chile, the most seismic country in the world after probably Japan and I grew up at the beginning of Patagonia, on a farm. So I try to think that I just behave like one more gear of the sistem and that sometimes I go off the rails and then I continue.

At work, it’s the same, I’m obsessed with my work sometimes and leave not that much time to hang out with friends or family there are days when I draw for 12-14 hours. Before I thought it was bad for my mental health or social relationships, but now I try to be kinder to myself, since actually the thing that I enjoy more in the world is drawing, and I also think it’s where I contribute to society in a small way. The little time I have left I try to meet with the people I love, my sisters and friends and it always feels meaningful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art features loud and saturated colors and is filled with memories of childhood. I’m obsessed with creating creatures, whether human or animal or even inanimate objects. Fear and Humor are my two motivations. I don’t think there is anything that set me apart from other artists but what I really think has been what it took me where I am today is not talent but discipline. I wake up at 5:30 or 6 am and until about 11 am I draw for my personal work, then I continue with my commissions until 8-9 pm, sometimes 11, which sometimes includes weekends and holidays. I would say that in my career I see people so talented so incredibly creative and good at illustration, that I feel motivated to be good and push to change and be better, I feel it’s a responsibility with art and the way I can honor my craft.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Santiago Its sometimes a chaotic city, I would say you can definitely go to 3 neighborhoods

Lastarria
Barrio Italia
and Providencia.

For breakfast, I would recommend 3 spots, for coffee: Original green roasters, Underground coffee, and singular coffee.

For Lunch: in Barrio Italia: “Veneno Negro”, “Inpasta”, and the best Indian food would be “Swad”

Dinner would be perfect in Lastarria, there is a lot of dance and street performance/art, some good museums like GAM, near by there is also the CCPLM, which has other activities too.

to enjoy the view there is Cerro San Cristobal .

all these places can be walked in one day 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The One club for creativity, who thought my work was good enough to give me an award, Adam specially. All the beautiful people in New York Times who bring me amazing commissions week to week
My sisters, boyfriend, and friends always give me great advice and good ideas, and honest opinions on my work.
and every editor/director who has trusted me with an article these last years! It’s been an honor.

Website: https://www.mariajesuscontreras.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariajesuscontreras/

Image Credits
María Jesús Contreras