Meet Tania Torres | Illustrator & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tania Torres and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tania, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’d like to say I’m fairly new to taking risks. Most of my life, in particular with art, I’ve kept my decisions personal and low-risk. However, every time i’ve taken a major risk since growing into adulthood it’s taught me about self-discipline and vulnerability. I think most importantly, taking risks have to happen in order to live a life with no regrets, so I’m working on taking on more.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Most of my art is illustrations, usually beginning from a sketch and turned into a digital piece or scanned. I try to draw simplistic, almost childlike characters and settings, partially due to my inability to draw eyes and also because I think it’s cute. I also practice urban sketching, but my main focus includes illustrations with feeling, often encapsulated by a couple of words or a theme.

I have been in love with drawing since I was young, but it was always unbelievably personal to me and I never truly advertised my passion for it. Growing up in a Latino household, art was not seen as something worth pursuing for a career. It was not until becoming friends with artists in high school and beyond that I gained the courage to begin posting my art online, and have now cultivated a community of friends that are artists. My roommates and I also started a studio together named tak! that we are planning to someday solidify into full time careers.

I’d say the biggest lessons i’ve learned along the way to labelling myself an artist have been around my own personal insecurities. I never thought my art was good enough, or realistic enough to be proud of. I had a great friend once tell me “Who cares? If you like it then maybe someone else will too, and that’s what matters.” Since then, i’ve been trying to draw when I can and get better through practice.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve lived and explored all over LA and know that it is so large that a week may not be able to cut it. That being said, I currently reside in Pasadena, so I’d start the tour there, with ramen at Ramen Tatsunoya, drinks at Barney’s Beanery or Kings Row, coffee at Cafe de Leche, and if we’re feeling boba instead, Prolece Tea on Colorado. If I’m venturing out, I think a classic LA trip would include a visit to Malibu for the drive along the PCH, visit The Getty Museum for some art, watch the sunset at Griffith Observatory, and maybe get lunch at Grand Central Market while exploring the pockets of museums, stores & drinks nearby, for a small trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout all of the friends and loved ones who have ever complimented or supported my artwork. It was a childhood dream of mine to share my artwork with people, let alone make it a part of my career and passions as an adult, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you all. If you read this and think it’s about you, it probably is.

However, I would like to give a special shoutout to my collaborators, roommates and best friends Alesan Aboafahe and Kevin Ly. Without you guys, I don’t know where i’d be and if I would’ve had the courage to continue through such a challenging year. You both inspire me everyday. I love you guys!

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Image Credits
Alesan Aboafahe