Where does your passion for comics come from?

It comes from my childhood. I still remember when I was a kid, I really loved reading Monica’s Gang comic books. After reading, I used to draw the characters and create small stories with them. 

What are some artists or comics that have influenced you?

My greatest inspiration is undoubtedly the Brazilian comic book artist Mauricio de Sousa (Monica’s Gang’s author) since his comic books were the first stories I read. They had a big impact in the acquisition and development of my reading skills. I would also say that the Japanese manga artist Rumiko Takahashi (Ranma ½ and Inuyasha’s author) is one of my most important sources since her narrative and drawings are so inspirational to me. 

When did you start creating your own comics?

It’s a long story since I have been creating my own characters and plots since I was little. But it was only for myself and self-pleasure. However, in 2019, I decided to stop teaching English and I moved to São Paulo to chase my biggest dream: to become a visual artist. It all started with a comicstrip about the Brazilian political situation that I published on instagram. Some people really enjoyed it and asked for more. So, it was the trigger I needed to face that as something possible. That’s why I decided to take that seriously and then I created Queers, a group of LGBTQI+ characters facing some issues in their daily routine. 

Can you please tell us a little about your creative process?

It all starts with an idea from a conversation, some news on TV, or something I read online. The first step is to write down or draw that idea on a piece of paper. Later, I sketch everything on Photoshop, then I ink and color. 

Your comics dialogue with current issues, mainly Brazilian politics and the LGBTQ+ experience. How do you think comics can help social issues such as these?

I think that art in general has the power to reach all kinds of people. Since comics, especially webcomics, are so accessible nowadays, I am sure that they can touch people’s hearts worldwide by dealing with social issues, such as the current Brazilian politics and the LGBTQI+ experience. Once I heard from a student of mine that I was brave to deal with such delicate issues in my stories. I answered by saying that I would be a coward if I didn’t. As a black and gay artist I feel that I have the duty to spread hope to the generations to come. Fortunately I come from a generation that harvested the fruits of freedom and achievement seeded by the 70’s and 80’s generation. I like to think that they were the roots, I am a tree and I have to pass on the fruit that was given to me. The greatest contribution that my art can do is simply talking about those issues in a very kind and fun way by bringing visibility, empowerment and encouragement to my readers. 

What are your plans for your art?

As soon as I finish my course at Quanta Academia, I intend to become a professional storyboarder and comic book artist and spread love in the world through my art. 

What piece of advice would you give to a person who dreams to be a comic book artist?

I’ll give a piece of advice that I once received from a successful artist. He simply said “Start and never stop. Life will take care of the rest”. I know it sounds very simple, but it is exactly what an artist has to do. Draw, practice and never stop studying. Your technique, your art and your stories will improve gradually until they are professional. Needless to say, it is always time to start and you just have to be patient with yourself. Take the time you need to improve yourself. Never compare yourself to the others. Just compare your last work to the next one. And most important, have fun during the process.