Introducing Laura Mocelin, a Brazilian Based book illustrator

Introducing Laura Mocelin, a children's book illustrator since 2019 - but I think I've been there forever. Laura was born in 1996 in a small town in the interior of Santa Catarina, Brazil. She graduated in Architecture and Urbanism from UFFS Erechim and then had the privilege of rushing to embrace the arts. Laura believes creating is what keeps us alive, just like art. Laura has illustrated more than ninety children's books and written one, about feelings! And today, more than ever, Laura sees the need for culture and diversity in relation to writing and art.

Here’s where we found out more about Laura…

What would you say is your best piece of work / collaboration to date, and why?

All works are important in my life in some way. I studied a lot before I started illustrating books, so I automatically learn a lot from them. Speaking of the artistic side, I consider the book “The Tiny Triton of the Far North” a very cool project because of the in-depth study and attempts at light and shadow that I tried to do. Speaking in technical terms, the books of the Mishi and Mashi visit Europe series and the booklet on Historical Heritage of my city have a lot of architecture and perspectives, which made me study this part a lot, getting to know the places and the details of each building.

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I like to find inspiration in other works. And by other works I mean other books, but also video games, board games, architecture in cities, people's personal projects. And although I love going to different places to draw, I like to be in my studio, with my coffee, looking at my books on the shelf (this is also good for remembering processes, like a visual memory). It's something that comforts me and at the same time makes me want to be present in the moment. An illustrator needs this.

Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.

I’m vegan and I take this into consideration for absolutely everything in my life. Respecting, no matter who, how, what it is, makes me a more centred person and convinced of how much we need this more and more these days. Being vegan means respecting the environment, living beings, life as a whole. And I believe that this also affects my work. Putting yourself in someone else's shoes to understand the story I need to illustrate is the most important part of starting the process of creating a book.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.

Technically? Colours and perspectives. But mostly, I think I’m always able to understand. I usually say that my father teaches me every day what it means to truly feel, since I was little. And when I chose the niche of children's illustration, I already knew why: children truly feel, but adults sometimes forget to feel - and I didn't want to forget. Illustrating books and feeling them makes me understand the story even more and be able to truly convey its meaning.

If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)?

Mostly stories with characters based on real people and places, but I really enjoy creating characters and places. I feel free to create universes.

How would you describe your style?

I believe that my style is artistic, colourful and focused on books and storyboarding. I like to think of the illustration as part of the book, but also taking into account that it could be a separate piece of art. And focused on books because I really enjoy working on layout, which is why the illustration always depends on it when I develop a book.

Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you were offered it - something that connects to something meaningful to you.

It would be amazing to be able to illustrate something that at some point meant a lot of attachment for the target audience. For example, if I created a character for a book and then it became an animation because the children really liked it. Or my illustrations being present on packaging that tells a story… I recently had experiences illustrating larger scenes, more specifically for a van that became a mobile library, so projects like this really win my heart. I love artistic interventions in cities, when people actually interact with them, so it would be amazing.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

Yes! I'm writing a children's story. It is still in the draft stage, but I'm really excited.

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would that be?

In fact, I wrote and illustrated a book for my godson! It was my first published book, and the experience was incredible. I'm very much a family person, so I would love to illustrate a book for someone close to me. Show the people who are important to me that they live in my inner universes.

If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.