How a Children’s Illustrator Draws Out Creativity From Parenthood
Children’s illustrator Nazarina Power shares her secret on how she maintains her child-like wonder amidst the struggles of being an artist and mom.
Because we loved fashion blogger Rina Santos’ tattoo so much, we also wanted to find out who the artist was behind the masterpiece. Meet Nazarina Power, a mom and children’s illustrator who designs various art pieces from 2D paintings and sketches to even 3D clay figurines! Although a graduate of University of the Philippines Diliman’s Industrial Design program, she didn’t expect a mom’s joy toward her illustration would be the unintentional springboard for her career in creatives.
“One day, I came across a mom’s account who posted adorable photos of her daughter. Inspired, I illustrated a picture of her child. When I posted the drawing and tagged her, she reposted it, leading to a flood of commission inquiries. This was my realization that I could turn my passion into a career. Later, I received my first book commission, solidifying my path as a children’s illustrator,” she recalls.
And like any illustrator, she had to birth her distinct style to stand out.
The Well of Creativity
Finding one’s art style doesn’t happen instantly and magically. Sure, there are various references but, Nazarina confirms that even her art style has gone through quite a journey. “It all began when I was just a kid, poring over picture books, comic books, and cartoons, with a special admiration for Charlie Brown’s iconic look. Over the years, I absorbed and adapted elements from everything I copied and learned during my journey from childhood to adulthood.”
While Charlie Brown was the springboard to discover her art style, her 1-year-old son, Cloud Power, is her greatest muse. “His [Cloud’s] presence fuels my creative spark, and it’s a beautiful source of inspiration for my work.”
But her love for art, the children’s illustrator says, comes from her mother whose preferred medium is in fabrics. “My creative journey has deep roots in my family. My mother instilled a love for recycling and crafting in me from a young age. She’s a skilled tailor who learned her craft by watching her own mother,” she shares.
In fact, the creative mother-daughter duo collaborated to manifest a bespoke jumper for the little boy. “I had a pair of old jeans that no longer fit me so I asked my mom if she could alter them into a jumper for my toddler son. She then worked her magic, and I added my artistic touch by painting on the pockets. The end result was incredibly cute!”
We definitely agree!
How Nazarina Power Deals with The Artist’s Slump
Like any artist or children’s illustrator, Nazarina Power does have her creativity blocks especially when she gets tired of her whimsical art style. Although there’s no secret formula, she acknowledges the tenacity that she pours into it to stay committed. “It all comes down to determination and setting your mind to it, even on those days when inspiration seems elusive. I find that planning my week in advance and setting weekly goals helps keep me on track,” she shares.
During her first year-and-a-half as mom, Nazarina hit an artist’s slump especially when she needed to take commissions for the sake of financial stability. But like any artist, she eventually realized what she needed was a change in perspective. “I realized that the constant juggling of being a mom, a wife, and working as an artist was taking a toll on me. At that point, I made the decision to change careers.”
Today, she has a day job and enjoys the breath of fresh air and new perspective it contributes to her art. “I’ve returned to studying, I get to enjoy being a mom, and I now have the privilege of saying yes to projects that truly resonate with me. This shift has rekindled my creativity and inspiration in ways I never expected. Motherhood has transformed me, and I’ve rediscovered the joy in creating. It’s a reminder that sometimes, taking a different path can lead to unexpected and wonderful places.”
Maintaining That Child-Like Wonder and Zest for Life
Parenthood appears to be Nazarina’s painter’s palette. With the many ups and downs she’s discovered in being a mom to Cloud while also supporting her husband, second runner-up from The Voice Australia 2019, Zeek Power, she’s found the colors that make her artistry the vibrant and playful pieces we know today. “Spending quality time with my family, engaging with select individuals, exploring non-art-related activities, reading children’s picture books, resting, and collaborating with fellow artists help me maintain a child-like appreciation for art and life. It’s about finding balance and nurturing creativity alongside the responsibilities of parenthood.”
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