Carolina Moscoso, a Portuguese artist based in New York, has carved out a unique niche for herself in the world of illustration and design. Her journey began with a background in architecture, which has left an indelible mark on her artistic style. Moscoso's work is characterized by a blend of technical precision and emotional storytelling, transforming dry, technical briefs into captivating visual narratives.
One of her notable strengths is the ability to extract the human element from complex subjects. She explains her approach, "It's almost like drawing on a need-to-know basis. My intuition is to hold on to any emotional and symbolic elements of the story, something that gives me room to play with more gestural/theatrical expressions." This approach allows her to create images that are not only informative but also aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking.
Her architectural training is evident in the intricate black lines and perfectly composed structures in her work. However, Moscoso also embraces the surreal and the bold, often using primary colors and obsessive detail. She explains, "If your brain is wired up to think and see as an architect or designer, that never changes off the job. And it will always interfere with the drawings; that's my toolbox." This unique blend of architectural precision and artistic expression sets her work apart.
Moscoso's work extends beyond illustration, including cover designs for publications like Bloomberg Markets. She views cover design as a different challenge, more akin to designing an object than composing a picture. "A cover must also create an eye-catching moment that works at different scales and interacts outside of its contained structure," she says. This approach showcases her versatility and ability to adapt to different creative demands.
One of her most intriguing projects is @hypotheticalplants, where she invents plants that don't exist. This project draws on her architectural roots, as she recalls, "They actually go back to early architecture days when I was drawing a lot with AutoCad. I started making my own library of objects to use in architectural drawings: plants, vases, people, and more." These objects eventually evolved into a solo show, 'Tea for Ten', which she considers one of her most important personal projects.
Moscoso's dedication to traditional methods, such as hand-sketching before digital work, and maintaining a strand of works on paper alongside commissions, is notable in an era dominated by digital tools. She believes that these traditional methods slow her down, making her feel more connected to her work and reducing screen time. This commitment to traditional techniques is a refreshing reminder of the importance of the process in art.
Despite the challenges of building a career as a Portuguese outsider in New York, Moscoso has navigated these obstacles with grace. She acknowledges the cultural barrier of reaching out to potential collaborators, a practice that is less common in Portuguese culture. However, she has successfully redirected her panic into self-evaluation and improvement, a mindset that has served her well in her freelance career.
When it comes to AI, Moscoso is clear in her disapproval of its appropriation of artists' work. However, she respects its use in fields like science and medicine, where it has contributed to actual progress. Her perspective on AI highlights the complex relationship between technology and creativity.
In terms of advice for aspiring artists, Moscoso emphasizes the importance of making good work and showing it to people. She encourages a mindset of continuous evolution, stating, "Nothing is too precious or locked in; you will be forever evolving." This advice is a testament to her belief in the transformative power of art and the importance of staying open to growth and change.
