Marina Aràujo

I' m Marina, a 27-year-old graphic designer and illustrator from Brazil. My work is a collection of things that are dear to me - plants, portraits, women, relationships and fantasy, which I’ll mix with bright colors and dynamic compositions.

When I’m not working, I like to watch films (ranging from everything Marvel Cinematic Universe to dark European experimental) and cook vegetarian dishes. I love cities where I can do everything I need at walking distance - but will also bike my way through if needed.

Meet Marina

What would you be if you were: An animal, a song, a poem, a colour, a flavour?

I think I would be a beaver – cute, quick and diligent, and will build a fortress around people I love. If I were a song, I would be a mashup of Hometown by Twenty One Pilots and Paradiso by The Chameleons. For the poem, I’d be “Retrato”, by Brazilian author Cecilia Meireles. The colour that best represents me at the moment is somewhere between indigo and denim blue. And a flavour… well… it would have to be mint tea!

Can you describe in a few words your creative process?

I start off by doing visual research on the subject, be it in a conceptual or more tangible way. Most of the time I will also do mental research in order to rescue feelings and experiences related to what I aim to create. I also like to write down keywords before starting to sketch — after that phase, comes the most fun: colour palette inspiration and tests!

What is your favorite subject matter to illustrate/ write about?

Portraits of women.

What keeps you inspired and motivated?

Having a close relation to different forms of art. Although I also consume a lot of illustrations, I love reading, watching films and going to museums. One can find inspiration everywhere.

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

I think every project that shares diverse stories and different artistic perspectives can make a difference by showing the world narratives and universes that would remain otherwise unknown. It is very empowering! By matching writers and illustrators, Tits’n’Tales helps breed creativity and inspiration — all while helping support a very important charity project.