Kaitlin Brito is an illustrator with a unique style that combines careful linework, bright flat colors, and a playful sense of nostalgia. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators and she has collaborated with notable brands like Google, Disney, and The New York Times. However, beneath the surface of her success lies a working life she has had to learn to protect. Kaitlin's journey began when she hit a creative wall, struggling to find inspiration and motivation. She realized that she needed to prioritize 'pure making', which means allowing herself to create without the constraints of paid work. This approach has helped her to maintain her passion and creativity, even when faced with tight deadlines and demanding clients. One of Kaitlin's favorite tools is a black ink pen, which forces her to commit to her ideas without the ability to turn back. This tool has helped her to develop a freer and more confident approach to her work. Kaitlin's style is heavily influenced by her love of vintage illustrations and her ability to find the magic in ordinary things. She has a particular talent for creating whimsical and nostalgic images that capture the beauty in the mundane. When working on commissions, Kaitlin is careful to maintain the handmade quality of her traditional work, even when using digital tools. She has two firm rules for this: choosing a brush with no smoothing effect and avoiding redrawing lines more than once. Kaitlin is also mindful of the briefs she takes on, ensuring that she has a clear understanding of the client's vision before beginning the project. She is drawn to clients who want a real back-and-forth and are open to her specific voice. In terms of the future, Kaitlin is not worried about the impact of AI image tools on her work. She believes that brands will continue to commission bespoke, human-made art, and that audiences will respond positively to it. Her advice to her younger self is to stop and smell the roses, and to value the process of making and evolving over the next step or five. Overall, Kaitlin Brito is an inspiring illustrator who has found success by protecting her passion and creativity, and by staying true to her unique style and voice.
