Interviewing QK Artist, Melline Pascua!
By: Reem Alomari
Tags: Childrens Books, Illustration

Qamber Kids: Melline, to begin, we wanted to officially welcome you to the Qamber Kids family! We appreciate your taking the time to share with us today. To begin, can you tell us about your journey into illustrating, and what led you to pursue your passion?

Melline Pascua: Thank you, Qamber Kids. It’s a pleasure to become a part of the family. Art has been my passion since I was a little girl and I’m happy to say that this is it! I didn’t start as an artist when I began working.

I only took art seriously, more than a hobby, when quarantine started. It’s a tough situation especially in my country, the Philippines. The stress was piling up and so I drew more to release that stress. Then the more I spent my time online, sharing my works, I also met friends who had the same interest as me. In fact, some of them are professional artists. They’re the ones who encouraged me to pursue art as a career. They taught me about the industry, shared what possible jobs I can have in the field of art. I was inspired by them.

From then on, I told myself, I will get better at art and I will make this my source of living.

QK: Can you tell us how you began your artistic and literary journey? As you continue to develop your career, what has helped you most?

MP: I began this journey just this year, specifically in June. I got laid off from work because of COVID since teaching with kids at a very young age is quite a challenge when the class is conducted virtually. Then, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to rediscover myself, what I really want. I reconnected with my passion for art and decided to make it my career.

When my employer asked me to return to teaching, it was then that I realized I love doing art so much, more so during this pandemic. So I decided to continue doing art.

What has helped me the most in developing my career is studying a lot. I researched the things I needed to do to be able to be a freelance illustrator and how I can possibly be hired. Along with this, I also purchased online courses from time to time to update my skills and constantly improve.

QK: We love the way you give your digital artwork a traditional feel. Can you describe your process for us?

MP: Thank you so much for that. My process is the same as the traditional method — rough sketch, clean up, colors, and finishing touches. I think what is different is that since I don’t use the traditional materials, I had to add textures to my drawings afterward to make them look hand-drawn.

QK: Is there a medium you love but don’t get a chance to use often in your work?

MP: I haven’t tried it yet but I heard it’s really good. I’ve always wanted to try painting with gouache!

QK: How long does it take you to complete a project, typically and how do you decide when it is done?

MP: It depends on the project. Since I’ve only experienced stand-alone illustrations so far, I will base my answer on that. I can finish it within 3 days to a week, also depending on how fast a client responds because I always ask them for feedback before proceeding to the next stage. I decide that it’s done if, first of all, it looks great for me. That’s very important. If I think that it doesn’t look good, then it’s not finished and I need to fix something. I don’t like it when I’m not confident with a piece because that’s a sign that I’m missing something or I need to tweak some things. Another indication that I am done is when it looks hand-drawn. Whatever style I am trying to achieve, if it looks like it, then it’s done. I sign it to finish everything off.

QK: You have a gift for telling stories through your artwork. What first drew you to children’s illustration in particular? Do you have plans to write and illustrate your own picture book one day?

MP: Thank you very much for that. I really owe it a lot to social media. I met a lot of various artists online and what I noticed is that I really, really love those drawings that look traditional, like you can see the pencil strokes or the inks. I love it when it looks organic. I’m always very drawn to them and I find out that a lot of these artists that I admire who have that style are mostly picture book illustrators.

I started researching about it from then on, how to be a book illustrator, how to make a portfolio to be hired, and etc. I’ve also always had a heart for children. I was a teacher before becoming an illustrator. I think whatever career I choose, it will always end up having to do with service for children. I want the next generation to grow up empowered. I want them to know that they are capable of doing many wondrous things. I want them to be confident in themselves. I want to show this through stories.

As for my plans to make my own picture book, yes, I definitely would love to do that but not anytime soon as I want to gain more experience first in how to make one. But when the day comes that I can say to myself that I am ready to write and draw my own book, I will tell a story with the representation of my people, the Filipinos.

QK: You have established a name and platform for yourself on Instagram and ArtStation. Do you have any advice for new creatives looking to begin their own platform through social media?

MP: I would say, just start an account and post. It’s gonna be a really slow progress especially if you don’t post every day because the algorithm favors those who are active and those who get lots of engagements but that is totally fine. Just show people what you can do, interact with them, show them you’re human, and make friends. Also, be mindful of what you post because a lot of people are watching. Just make sure you’re making a good name for yourself.

QK: Are there any professional goals that you have not yet reached? What do you see for your future?

MP: I’d love to be able to draw a picture book and have it published, be it a client’s or mine. I’d love to see my work on the shelves. I also want to be a character designer, be it for shows, games, or books. I still have a long way to go with these goals in mind but I believe that if I start working little by little, I can eventually achieve them.

QK: Do you have any advice or insight for illustrators and authors who are trying to break in?

MP: Research about agencies. Don’t think that a particular agency is far-fetched. Just check out their stuff and try to know what they’re looking for. If you’ve picked an agency/agencies you want to apply to, get to your portfolio. Prepare what you need so you can show them that you can do what they are looking for. Then, you apply to them.

Lastly, don’t be afraid of rejections. Agencies take a very long time to respond because of the numerous submissions they receive. When you do receive a response saying that you have not been accepted, take it as a great start. Agencies usually tell you why they cannot accept you and you can either take that as feedback to update your portfolio or you can try applying again for another agency.

It’s also very important to make your works accessible. For example, you have a social media platform where you post your works, make sure it’s easy to find your portfolio and contact details because art directors are always on the lookout for talent and they’re active in social media. But they don’t have all the time in the world to thoroughly check an artist’s profile. If they happened to stumble upon your profile and want to offer you a job, they need to know your email address. Make yourself easy to contact or else the opportunity might just slip away as they move on to another artist.

QK: Thanks so much, Melline for sharing your creative journey with us!

MP: The pleasure is all mine.