Trickster's second illustrator profile has arrived! Meet Pamela Samel, who's fresh project with Gete Tammann "Mr. Lazybones"/“Härra Laiskvorst” is out in December.
Your first drawings as a kid?
It must have been some scribbles. I do remember being quite young and waiting for my parents to leave the room so I could draw on our wooden walls with felt marker pens. It felt liberating.
Is illustration a tool or an art form, and why?
For me, it’s definitely an art form, even if I use it as a tool. Through illustration, I find it easiest to express myself, but it can also serve as a tool to communicate a message to a wider audience.
What do you think about when you draw?
Unfortunately, I can’t listen to podcasts or have a TV series on in the background. I need non-distracting music or silence. When I’m drawing a children’s book, I don’t like to make overly detailed sketches beforehand. So when I draw, I need to constantly think about the composition and colors to ensure it’s cohesive with the rest of the book.
How did you find your style?
That’s a tricky question for me because I remember struggling with it daily. I guess I realized that if I use tools I feel most comfortable with, I’m already illustrating in my style. Whether it’s colored pencils, digital, or collage—if I enjoy the process, the style finds me. I can’t force myself to use a medium I’m uncomfortable with; the end result would feel foreign to me.
Color or line?
I need both. In my last illustrated book, I remember struggling to find the right style for a long time. Eventually, I realized the illustrations needed a line.
Character or situation?
When I am drawing for myself, it’s usually about the situation. When commissioned, it’s mostly about the character.
Your favorite artists?
If we’re talking about illustrators, I love Wu Peng, Marika Maijala, Maria Ramos, Noemi Vola, Andrea Antinori, Mogu Takahashi, Monika Forsberg, Hannah Schrage, and Yoko Nakajima, to name a few. Otherwise, I’m obsessed with the band IDLES at the moment.
Your favorite books? Name at least 3.
Prayers for the Stolen by Jennifer Clement
We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen
Rõõm kuni hommikuni: Hamstritest ja Inimestest by Vladimir Paral
Home from the Vinyl Cafe by Stuart McLean
Härra Laiskvorst (Mr. Lazybones) by Gete Tammann (coming December 2024)
Your favorite places in Estonia and the world?
My home, and during summer, anywhere I can swim—like Pikakari. My favorite place outside of Estonia is New York. I hope to live there again one day.
Advice for beginners?
Just begin and put yourself out there. Stay true to yourself. It’s okay to fail constantly—just start again.
What do you need for a productive workday?
On my ideal day, I’ve slept at least 7 hours, exercised in the morning, and the sun is shining so I can have natural daylight for drawing.
Do you think of drawing as work or fun?
It started as fun, but over time, the work aspect has become part of the mix.
Have you ever been stuck creatively, and how have you dealt with it?
Of course, but I don’t dwell on it too much. Depending on how much time I have, I either take a break or continue generating ideas until I find the best one. Talking to someone often helps, too.
How do you combine your different skills and professions? Are they helpful, or do they sometimes compete with each other?
Lately, I’ve been asked to draw for commercials in a child-like style. That’s really fun because I usually dress people for film and TV, but I enjoy being part of that side of the industry too. Working as both an illustrator and a costumer, I need to communicate with many different people all the time, so good communication skills are a must. I wouldn’t say I’m great at it, but it’s something both jobs have in common. I don’t think they compete with each other. The difficult part is when I have to be on set while also drawing a book. I’m better at focusing on one project at a time; otherwise, I get overwhelmed.
Please make a drawing of Trickster as a fantasy character!
Her name is Go Getter and she manages to do everyday simple tasks with joy, never postponing anything for the next day. Her super power is living life to the fullest!