Guest Illustrator: Amber Vittoria

Amber Vittoria is an illustrator living and working in New York City; her work focuses on the accurate portrayal women within art, and she has collaborated with like-minded brands, such as Gucci, The New York Times, and Instagram, on pieces that further said narrative. Read her reflections on love, and artists who inspire her.

The notion of love is something I deeply explore within my work, especially self love, as loving oneself in a society that raises up an ideal of feminine perfection, is incredibly difficult. The Love Is Project is a place that celebrates love in all forms, which is why I love it so, so much.

Amber Vittoria

1. Where do you live, and why do you love it?

I live in New York City; it's endless ways of surprising me is why I have a strong love of this place. Each person, borough, each train, bike route, bus, restaurant, gallery has an incredible story. I learn something new every day in this vast city.

2. How did you fall in love with art-making?
Since I was young, creating art has been the most accurate way for me to express my thoughts, emotions, and dreams, which is why I quickly fell in love with it.

3. Why do you love what you do?
Illustrating allows me to be my happiest, most honest self.

4. What does love mean to you?
The ability to deeply and unselfishly care for oneself, another, a place, a memory or a practice.

 

IG @ambervittoria

https://ambervittoria.com

Joy Miessi

1. Where do you live, and why do you love it?
I live in London. I've grown up here, moved away for a bit and came back. I love it mostly for the exhibitions and shows, it feels like there is so much to see here and I'm constantly being inspired and motivated.  

2. How did you fall in love with art-making?
I used to draw comics and stories for my younger sister and she loved them, always eager for the next story. The fact that my drawings made my sister happy made me really enjoy making art and telling stories through illustrations. 

3. Why do you love what you do?
I love that I can be myself within what I do and turn that into visual art. Creating art has allowed me to connect with so many individuals across the globe and make new friends here in London. 

4. What does love mean to you?
Loves means home, that feeling of comfort, warmth, freeness. For me this feeling has never been a physical space but has existed when I'm in the presence of my good friends, my partner and on good days by myself. 

 

IG: @joymiessi 

https://joymiessi.com/

Isabel Castillo Guijarro

1. Where do you live, and why do you love it?

I live in New York Fucking City — not sure if I can curse in here — but that's just how much I fucking LOVE New York. I'm in love with the busy streets during the day, and how quiet is at night; walking from West 12th Street, to SOHO to Orchard St. just because. Love the fuzz, the stress, the hectic life, the constant events happening, all the art galleries; I love feeling like I still have so much to discover from this city. 

2. How did you fall in love with art-making?
I've always loved art. The more I know, the more I want to know. The more I do, the more I want to risk and do more. As a designer, I love beautiful things. But as an illustrator, I feel like I understand those things. I see the lines and understand the thought behind art-making. This slow process is what has made me fall in love with art making. 

3. Why do you love what you do?

I think I work in the best field possible. Design, illustration, art direction... is all one beautiful cocktail of possibilities. We are not tied to one field, one medium or one type of work. We are actually extremely lucky to have so many possibilities. 

4. What does love mean to you?
To me, whether it comes to be in love with someone or in love with your work... love means smiling unconsciously when you think of that one special person or project. That's it. No butterflies, no Prince Charmin, no flowers or hears in the air. To me, love, is as simple as a good smile. 

 

IG: @byisabel 

http://byisabel.com/

Wear your heart on your sleeve. 

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