Meet Alejandra Macouzet | Illustrator

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

Hi Alejandra, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
I find it difficult to answer this question because my career goals have been changing. When you’re passionate about what you do, it’s easy to come up with new ideas, but this can also be a challenge. I’ve been wanting to explore different techniques and media, which can be distracting and make it easy to lose sight of the path I’ve set out on.

These challenges can also change the end goal. Sometimes, what you thought you wanted to do doesn’t work out, or you have to accept that not every idea or project will be successful.

Recently, I’ve been trying to stay focused and work on one thing at a time, giving all my energy and creativity to it. Thinking about my end goal has helped me decide which path to follow.

Whenever I think of the “end goal,” I always come to the same conclusion – I want to create art, especially books, that will leave a positive memory with people. I believe my ultimate goal is to have someone see my work and have it evoke a positive reaction in them, like the feeling you get when you see a drawing or a cartoon you used to enjoy as a child – a sense of familiarity and home.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been really excited these last couple of months about my newest project. I just published a series of coloring books; so far, I’ve released two of them, and I’m now working on the third one. This collection is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. Between clients and work, I kept postponing giving this project the time to develop. I found myself waiting for the “correct” time to focus on this, but it seemed like it was never going to come. Until early this year, I was able to take some time to just work on the first coloring book. I didn’t know what to expect, but I worked hard and decided to create it. The launch of the first book was very successful, and I realized that the book was bringing the joy and excitement that I always hope my art does. That’s when I decided to bring it to the next level and create a whole series.

I believe coloring books are such an amazing tool. Growing up, I could spend hours coloring in them. I think they are an amazing activity to relax and disconnect, especially now that we spend most of our days staring at a screen. But coloring books are also more than that; they are an easy and friendly way to connect each person to their creative self. They are great for kids, but I also think adults can benefit from coloring. Most adults haven’t drawn or colored for ages, and they feel intimidated or unmotivated to reconnect with their creative selves. A coloring book allows them to find their creative voice again without feeling the pressure of a blank canvas.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve been based in Toronto since 2018, and every year I love the city more. I believe that individuals have the power to shape the community they want to live in, and Toronto has given me the opportunity to do just that.

When people visit Toronto, I always recommend spending time outdoors, especially during the summer. One of my favorite activities is biking along the waterfront. You can choose to go either East or West, or even both!

If heading East, I suggest going down to Cherry Beach and following the trail to Tommy Thompson Park. If going West, I recommend going all the way to High Park.

High Park is another place that I always highly recommend. It’s a beautiful park to take a leisurely walk or have a picnic. If you visit during May, you can see the stunning Cherry blossoms.

Another outdoor activity I enjoy is taking the ferry to the Toronto Islands and spending the day at one of their beaches. Evergreen Brick Works is another great spot if you enjoy the outdoors. They usually have events and a farmers’ market! The trails there are also beautiful.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My biggest support system has always been my family. I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by people who encourage and motivate me to pursue my dreams. When starting my own business or working as an artist, my first clients have always been my friends and family. It would have been difficult to find my path or make a breakthrough without them. I’m lucky to have been surrounded by family and friends who have helped me promote my work throughout my career.

Since I was a young kid, my parents made me feel like it was possible to follow my passion and have a career in the arts. When I had my first art show, I was fortunate to have a room filled with my parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles who later shared my work with their friends. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to reach some of the people who later became my clients.

One of the most fulfilling things is realizing how your family circle can expand, meeting friends who later become part of your support system, or finding your significant other and getting to know their family, who later becomes your family as well. I have been lucky to not only grow up in a close-knit family but also to have found a partner who welcomed me into a new family that has unconditionally supported me in my career.

Website: https://www.alejandramacouzet.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alemacuu/