Hello, my name is Erika Valdes, I'm an illustrator and freelance visual communicator based in Coquitlam, B.C. Canada. I have a degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Ryerson University. I'm a highly motivated, natural troubleshooter, who is enthusiastic about art and design.
My style is constantly evolving and I'm drawn to geometric, abstract, and bright art. I admire the work of Georgia O'Keeffe and Dana Irving and Margaret Morales. In my everyday life, I find inspiration in nature, art supply stores, street art, animated films, anime, coloring and children's books.
This is my home office. My desk is between the dining room and the living room. The table where I have my sketchbook at watercolors is the dining table.
My adopted tools of expression are watercolors because of the fluidity that the medium offers. The transformation of a color that happens in front of your eyes; organical and magical and never stops surprising me. I recently have created more digital artwork because it's more practical to develop work on the go.
My current watercolor tools.
I also collect watercolors. These are waiting for an exciting project.
I'm a mother to a 20-month-old child and early mornings is the time a day that I can dedicate to art and projects. As soon as I wake up, I meditate for about 20 minutes, once I feel grounded I'll enjoy a hot cup of coffee while I plan my day; I enjoy making lists for projects, to do lists and chores.
I like to surround myself with shiny and sparkly objects and amongst my collectibles are crystals, fans, and a kaleidoscope to help me see the world differently.
I find inspiration in the shapes and colours produce by my kaleidoscope.
I worked for BMO Capital Markets in Toronto for over thirteen years as a creative design specialist. My role in a fast-paced environment taught me everything I know about client relations and corporate branding. In my position, I gained a reputation as a layout artist as I could find original ways to make eye-catching layouts, overflowing with information and with minimal guidance. I'm currently freelancing for a couple of mortgage corporations in Toronto; Oppono and Mortgage Company of Canada.