Erika Mendoza

I’m a freelance illustrator and lettering artist based in Mexico City. My work is mainly focused on vector illustration; simple forms, shadows and high contrast. I love to illustrate what other people have to say.

In my daily life, you can find me daydreaming about travel and finding shapes that look like fancy letters.

Meet Erika

How would you define your poetics?

The core of my work is built on finding the best concept that represents what I’m illustrating, next to simple shapes and a nice color palette.

Can you describe your creative process?

I like to simplify the brief, extracting keywords or concepts. Then I can start sketching using these keywords, I prefer to stick to a few ideas rather than have lots of sketches. Usually, I reduce the list to 2 and I try to choose the draft that shows the clearest and strongest concept.

What’s in the “room of your own” where you create your artworks?

I have a large drawing table but it is mainly covered by books. Mexican crafts are one of my favorite things so I have some decorating my room, also some others I bought in my past trips and behind me, a wall where I hang some of my drawings and postcards I’ve received and some pictures, mainly pretty things that make me feel happy.

What keeps you inspired and motivated?

Definitely the wish of being a better illustrator. The excitement that comes with creation, meeting incredible creative people and learning from them. But also the fact that I can’t see myself doing anything else.

How do you think projects like Tit’n’Tales can make a difference?

Definitely by giving voice to those untold stories. It feels like a safe place where people can express themselves.