Meet the Maker: Karin from La Cartrina

Can you describe your creative work in a few sentences?

What’s your favourite medium to create with?

I can’t decide between making analogue collages, for which I would use old magazines and books, pieces of paper, buttons, strings, and memorabilia or using my iPad for creating digitally. I love them both.

Can you share a programme/art supply brand/item you love working with?

I love mod podge for glueing and varnishing collages, my iPad with Procreate and Affinity Designer on it and acrylic pens like Posca or Acrylista. And last but not least my Singer sewing machine gives my art that special finishing touch!

Do you create every day? If so, do you have a set time to create?

I wish I would have the time or focus to create every day! I am still trying to make time for making! Maybe a fixed time in my calendar could be the solution?

Do you have a ritual around creating?

For making collages I need a bit of space and time, so I dedicate a whole evening to it. I then unpack all the material and see what I could make and then just get into the flow. While creating, I like to listen to podcasts, like interesting conversations or interviews with creative people. Living near the beach also makes it fun to take my iPad to the beach café and just draw away on it, while watching the waves and other people having fun.

What’s your favourite part about your creative work?

I love to use bold and bright colours and create art which is fun and hopefully brings people joy. Also, I love getting positive feedback from others. To know my creations touch people is the best feeling ever!

What’s your least favourite part about your creative work?

I am still getting the hang of being organised when it comes to marketing my designs. Like posting on social media, updating my portfolio, or creating a newsletter. It’s just not fun for me, so I neglect it a bit!

What would you tell your younger self about your creative work?

Since I can think, I’m a creator in my heart. As a child, I made stop-motion animations, drew a lot, and even had my own magazine! But I would tell my younger self not to stop and just keep going. Because I took a long break from being creative and only recently put more focus on it again. I learned that not everything has to be a career and you can just create for yourself. But it took me a long time to realise this.

Do you create with a certain person/target group in mind?

I usually don’t create with the thought of selling it so no, I don’t have a certain bunch of people in mind. I use creating more as an outlet, it’s almost like therapy for me, so a bit selfish! 😊

Where can people find you and your work?