Freepik Catches Up with Ambassador and Lunna Design Creator Joice Toledo
Brazil-based designer and illustrator Joice Toledo is a proud and passionate Freepik Ambassador. She also runs her own company Lunna Designs. In the following interview, she explains how she developed drawing from a hobby to career. As well she explains what exactly makes Freepik stand out from other Microstock platforms.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? What do you do in your spare time?
I currently live in a city called Taubaté based in São Paulo, Brazil, but I was born in a city next to it called Pindamonhangaba. I’ve always liked drawing since when I was a child. I always had the encouragement of my mother, it’s definitely my favorite hobby. I love to be in touch with nature and to be with the people I love including my family!
I’ve always liked drawing since when I was a child
When did you first start designing? Were you always passionate about designing?
I have always been in love with drawing. I started to do vector illustrations in 2012 when I decided to leave my job and dedicate myself to what I liked best. I started using Adobe Illustrator out of curiosity, I then looked deeper into web tutorials and I remember when I made my first vector drawing sale, it was amazing, I was still a bit insecure but I saw that it could work! My husband has always helped and encouraged me and now I’m here today!
How did you become interested in design? When did you start working in the industry?
I started to delve into graphic design when I learned how to do my first vector drawing in Adobe Illustrator, I think it’s amazing that there’re other ways to give life to a drawing besides pencil and paper. Since then I have not stopped, I created Lunna Design in 2012 and started to sell things such as logos for micro-enterprises, where I’m still working today.
For those people wanting to start out as graphic designers, I always say that nothing at the beginning is easy, If you really want to practice a lot, look for inspiration on the internet and study
Where did you find the inspiration for your Freepik designs?
My inspiration is nature and things such as rain. I have several plants at home and I love flowers. For me the best days to draw are rainy days, the sound of the rain inspires me a lot. I am also passionate about mum related concepts. I love drawing pregnant women and mothers, my son is one of my main inspirations.
Tell us about your portfolio: How many vectors have you designed throughout your career? What style are you most comfortable working in? Where do you find the inspiration for your work?
From when I’ve started I’ve created 500 different vectors. I tend to work in a cute and cuddly style. It always makes me feel more inspired and motivated when I see that my drawings are being downloaded by people from all over the world, it’s really cool to see that our work is being enjoyed and downloaded.
What advice or tips would you give anyone starting out as a graphic designer?
For those people wanting to start out as graphic designers, I always say that nothing at the beginning is easy, If you really want to practice a lot, look for inspiration on the internet and study. Watch tutorials, mirror on styles you like and replicate the style you want to create. This way you will be improving various techniques and finding your own traits and drawing style.
What made you decide to work with microstock platforms?
I was surfing the internet and found out about the possibility to sell in microstock, I found it interesting and decided to give it a try. It gives you the freedom to draw what you want and receive money from it.
And what advice would you give people who are thinking about getting involved with microstock platforms?
Try. Search. If you do not try, you’ll never know if it might have worked or not. On the internet we have lots of information about Microstock platforms, we have to find one that makes us feel good. I work with microstock and am very happy with the feedback I received.
What made you take the step to join Freepik?
I’ve always been a fan of Freepik, and I’ve always wanted my drawings to appear in their vector searches. As soon as they started hiring, I applied quickly!
I am proud to work with Freepik, it is very easy, practical and a good source of income
Which do you think are the main advantages of working with Freepik’s contributor model in comparison with other platforms?
The developer panel is super easy to use, and very practical as you can see everything there. And without a doubt, the financial return we receive from Freepik is very good compared to other Microstock platforms.
What advice would you give to other designers who want to be contributors on Freepik? Do you have any tips on how to succeed on our platform?
Do what you love. Get better and better. Display your passion through your drawings. Try it, you will be able to make money with your drawings, discover your style and through that several opportunities will open up to you, because your drawings will be all around the world.
Display your passion through your drawings try it, you will be able to make money with your drawings
Would you recommend that other designers join Freepik as contributors?
Yes!! I am proud to work with Freepik, it is very easy, practical and a good source of income. I hope that many more people become contributors and have great success with it !!
For all of those who are Portuguese speakers Joice runs a useful and informative facebook group for Freepik contributors, it is perfect for advice and feedback.
