Yuriko Shirou is a self-taught Mexican illustrator. Her professional work has dabbled in Manga, American Comic and Figurative Art. She has participated in international art and illustration exhibitions.
How long have you been illustrating and what made you start?
I am fortunate to be able to dedicate myself full time to Illustration, professionally for just over six years. I started drawing since I was three years old and since then I have not stopped, I got a special love for illustrations thanks to my mother who gave me a collection of illustrated books with classic stories. Seeing my sister draw as a hobby, the pictorial teaching of two teachers during my academic training, and my interest in comics and Japanese animation, fueled my passion for drawing and painting. Looking to tell my own stories through images.
Where do you get your inspiration?
There are so many ways in which inspiration can come day by day; for me it often comes from those difficult situations in life, not as a way to remember the pain, but as a reminder that I can overcome that pain, fears or a difficult moment. Those moments that transform us, leave us learning and make us stronger, for me those moments are very important. I combine this with that inspiration that I find in my little obsessions, such as moths, dolls and dry leaves. Other times the inspiration is merely immersed in music, books or a good cup of coffee.
Where is your favourite place to illustrate?
In my small studio, temporarily located in the City of Puebla; with my cat, instrumental music and a cup of coffee. Always surrounded by many of my little obsessions, books, taxidermy and toys.
What are your illustrating/colouring material essentials?
Each and every one of the pieces of my work is done in a traditional way in mixed media, a mix of watercolour, acrylic, gouache, inks, markers, pastel colours and coloured pencils, on paper or cardboard.
What’s the piece of work that you’re most proud of or enjoyed doing the most?
It is difficult to select just one of them, however, if right now I were to select a serious "Inside of me II", I am very proud of this piece because it speaks of a very important emotional experience in my life, It brings me a lot of peace. In the drawing process I was very happy to see what I achieve with it, even though it seems to have an effortless composition compared to other my illustrations.
I’d like to tell you that we never stop learning, no matter how much we think we know, always give yourselves the chance to make mistakes and fail because that is where you will find true knowledge. But also try to draw always thinking that this could be the last piece you will make. Because only then will you give your best and at the same time you will always enjoy each piece you make.
