Tell us about yourself
My name is Kevin Bustos and I'm from Bogotá, Colombia. I have been living in the countryside for a couple of years as an NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) of the Colombian Air Force. I've been in the military for ten years, but I'm also a freelance graphic designer.
What type of art do you feel most connected to?
I like Surrealism because it has limitless options. I connect to the mind creating without limits, and not having to following rules of proportions or logic. Also, Pop Art offers a broad spectrum of colors with bright and vibrating chromas, elements that help make creations flashy.
How long have you been drawing or illustrating?
I think I've been doing it my whole life but since starting my graphic design career, I've been doing it more.
What inspires you the most to illustrate?
Every day is an inspiration. I try to capture my experiences on paper with a different view or perspective.
Do you remember your first-ever illustration? What was it?
I don't remember my first illustration and I won't know which one will be my last; I presume that I will illustrate until I die.
Describe your creative illustration process in several steps
Sit and think (brainstorm is key, it's okay if I don't have anything good in mind yet)
Then I will start doodling. I think about what I’m imagining, could be random scratches with nonsense (with pencil)
Try to put some order of your second step, adding some essential clues that will help you find the way in the illustration (still pencil)
In this step, I started using the ink pens with single lines more as a sketch than anything
When I feel comfortable with what I’m seeing, I start to add detail to the drawing, lines and points to give it personality and depth.
Check what extra things can be added to do it better.
& of course, sign it!
Where do you see yourself in the future?
For me, illustration is more of a hobby than as a full-time career. Maybe something will change, but for the moment, I see myself working abroad doing work on aircraft components because I love aircraft as much as I like to illustrate.
What three things would you tell others to be inspired to make art during Covid-19?
Keep your mind open
Try, try and try (never settle)
Have discipline
Which tools do you use to illustrate? Which one do you use the most?
I have used many techniques, including handmade (watercolor, inks, acrylics, others) and digital (illustrator, photoshop, adobe draw, SAI 2.0). However, I love using graphic pens on random paper.
How can others find your work or connect with you?
Feel free to take a look at what I’ve done. My Instagram is@cranktive.
