Up Close and Personal w/ Isabel Guzman

Surprise! I have a new post series that I am super duper excited about. I always love learning about different bloggers, Etsy sellers, etc. So I have decided to start doing little interviews with people I think are interesting. That way, I can ask them a whole bunch of questions without seeming creepy and then you guys can learn about different kinds of people as well. Isabel Guzman is the first person I found to interview, she's super awesome and I know you guys will love her.

Here is a little about her:

I`m Isabel Guzmán, I live in Santiago, Chile, I’m 31 years old and I’m a freelance graphic designer. My work focuses on design, photography, digital retouch and personal projects related to art. I'm the owner and creator of "Mandarinas de Tela’s" dolls, there I take care of every aspect of the process of creating a doll (from the drafts to the needlework) as well as the social media management and more. 

1. What was your very first creation? 

In my whole life? I don’t remember exactly, but I remember drawing a lot of flowers and birds when I was a little girl. Mi first Mandarina was a red kitten made with recycled fabrics and a piercing in his ears (cute and very punk), I have it in my living room!

2. If you were to move anywhere in the world, where would you move and why?

I'd love to live somewhere in Europe, especially England. I've never been there, but it’s my dream to know their wonderful architecture, old streets, live some winters with snow (in my city that doesn’t happen),  I think it`s very inspiring.

3. Who do you most relate to? (The person can be fictional or real.)

I thought about this question a lot. I remembered movies, cartoons, singers, artists... but the truth is that now I don’t feel identified with someone particularly. When I was younger I think I related to Alice (in Wonderland), Björk or even Daria (Sick sad world haha), but right now I can’t think of someone.

4. What have you struggled with the most? (This can be in your personal life or with your career.)

In my career the biggest struggle has been to achieve independence, not to work for a company, monotony or meet schedules. It has been difficult to reach monetary and emotional balance, but I think I'm on track.

5. If you could direct a sequel to any movie, which would you choose and why?

Ohh this is hard... I think a Wes Anderson movie, because I doubt he makes any sequel to any of his films. I would like to know what happens in the future with Suzy and Sam as teenagers, so I choose Moonrise Kingdom!

6. What have you done that you are most proud of so far? 

I`m really proud of being a freelancer, spend my time as I want, no strings attached.
Besides I love seeing how my dolls can make other people happy <3

7. What Etsy shop (Other than your own, ha!) is your favorite?

I love "And Smile" Etsy shop from Viktorija, she is an illustrator and makes brooches and prints of her artwork. I also like Jess Quinn`s shop "Small Art", lovely dolls and paintings. And one of my favorites now is the illustrator Yelena Bryksenkova. They are so many that I would never end! 

8. When you aren't working, what can we find you doing?

Taking a walk, watching movies with my boyfriend, listening to music, taking photos. 

9. Describe your work in 3 words.
Unique - Handmade - Happy

10. Where do you draw inspiration from?

Inspiration comes from everything that I like, music, art, movies, pop culture and nature.

Isn't Isabel awesome?! Her work is amazing and I am so happy to share this interview on my blog. I feel so inspired by her work and I am so glad to have met her. Go say hi to Isabel and check out her shop!

Xo Chloe.