Children’s drawings: Illustrating memories of childhood

The illustrators Fabi (of the duo Marmota vs Milky), Brenda Bossato and Weberson Santiago recreate drawings created as children (or by their children in Santiago’s case) and offer us advice on creativity.

Celebrated on 12th October in Brazil and on various other dates around the world, Children’s Day is not only special for our young ones; it lives on in the memory of millions of adults for its nostalgic, emotional character. In some nations it even serves as a catalyst for campaigning and protest, celebrated on 20th November to mark the anniversary of UNICEF’s Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 - a document that demands a series of basic rights that every child should enjoy, including food, love and education.

Although in some areas the occasion has taken on a commercial character, in which the toy industry launches new models to attract young consumers, it’s also a moment to connect with children - even with our inner child.

This is precisely what we’ve suggested to three Brazilian creators, who make an emotional journey through their own past. Brenda Bossato (@brebossato) and Fabi (of the duo Marmota Vs Milky, @marmotavsmilky) recreate the drawings they made as children. The third, Weberson Santiago (@webersonsantiago), reinterprets a drawing created by his 8-year-old daughter Mariana. Find out more in the video:

Invited to travel back to her own past and give advice to herself as a child, with the perspective of what she knows today about her career and the world of artistic creation, Fabi doesn’t hesitate:

“Don’t give up! It’s often said that working in the art world is difficult, that it’s not for everyone, that you have to have good contacts to succeed. That drawing doesn’t pay the bills, that it’s better to be an engineer or work in IT. I grew up hearing things like this.

It always seemed to me that this (making a living from art) wasn’t for me, because I’m shy. As a teenager, I dedicated myself to IT, I stopped drawing and I abandoned what I enjoyed doing. When I looked for work in that field, I was asked during an interview what I wanted to do in the future and, nervously, I said ‘draw’. A very simple, direct response. I realised that I should change, do something related with art.

You’re going to grow, you’re growing to develop, don’t worry. Everything will turn out well, you just need to keep going, and think you can achieve it."

For Brenda Bossato, the message is:

"If I was a mosquito, I would go to my ear and say something like “hey, believe in yourself! Don’t give up. I know it’s difficult but keep going, try to not look sideways too often. And, if you do, try to look with wisdom.

Keep pulling yourself forward and you’ll end up in an incredible place - and you’ll bring people who are equally incredible along with you.”

Weberson, from his side, recommends:

"I would tell him (my younger self) to keep drawing, without focusing too much on the result, because the result is a consequence of the simple act of doing it. Bit by bit, you will finish up finding yourself with what you want to do, and what you can do. It’s purely a question of harmony.

The act of drawing teaches the child to connect with themselves. You can establish a connection between your will and your dreams, and learn to somewhat control the anxiety of wanting to do things.

The truth is that things usually happen when you don’t expect it."

English version by @garethplatt49.

You may also be interested in:

- Brainstorming for Developing Audio Visual Script Writing Projects.
- The Adventure of Publishing Your First Children’s Book, by Flavia Z Drago.
- 5 Contemporary Chinese Artists You Should Know.