How I train myself

I have always tended to work in a very realistic style. Studying Fine Arts at Madrid’s Universidad Complutense provided me with a solid foundation in drawing and anatomy. However, the rigidity of this education sometimes made it difficult for me to embrace playfulness and improvisation in my creations.

I love finding inspiration in street photographers like Joseph Philippe Bevillard. Through his lenses, he captures raw childhoods and characters full of personality. Some of the drawings you see here are based on his photos of Irish travellers.

Additionally, there are some books that have provided me with a very solid foundation in my artistic journey. These resources have been instrumental in shaping my understanding and techniques, allowing me to grow and refine my skills.

- Drawing the head for Artists. Oliver Sin

- Figure drawing for artists. Steve Huston

- Anatomy for the Artist. Sara Simblet

Self-portraits have always been a crucial practice for me. By using myself as a model, I’ve come to understand the subtle mysteries our faces hold—the unique shapes and angles that define who we are.

I also find inspiration in the special moments I share with my kids. Watching them play reconnects me with my inner child, my little Vero. They help me imagine new, possible worlds.

Every few months, I take a couple of Domestika courses to refresh and expand my knowledge.

https://www.domestika.org/es/veronicaperezillustration

Here you can see the courses I have studied :)

This one was specially handy https://www.domestika.org/es/courses/264-retrato-realista-con-lapiz-de-grafito

As a university student, I was part of a nature study group, which was a lot of fun. Last year, I reconnected with this passion. Observing nature now profoundly influences my art, offering endless inspiration.

I am deeply thankful for the years I spent studying Art Therapy, as this experience has given me the freedom to explore different materials and themes without fear. While a part of me always longed to experiment, I often found myself struggling with my perfectionism.

My focus had always been on human anatomy and animals and I felt apprehensive about dealing with backgrounds and landscapes. It wasn’t until I began experimenting with my iPad that I discovered the joy of exploring colours and perspectives in various natural landscapes.

I found a Domestika course particularly interesting for learning how to create backgrounds.

https://www.domestika.org/es/courses/284-concept-art-introduccion-al-diseno-de-escenarios

In this journey of moving beyond realism, I am finding my voice as a children's book illustrator. I intend to blend both worlds—the realistic and the dreamy, playful realm within me. Through my digital artwork, I have learned to appreciate the beauty of imperfection and the excitement of discovering new techniques and styles.

Here you can see some of the first character designs I made in 2020 using my new Huion tablet.

My final goal is to create illustrations that captivate and inspire children and their parents