weekly interviews // 004: oana

this week's interview (a few days late) is with the ever-so-talented oana befort. she is by far one of my favorite illustrators and designers. hope you enjoy reading her answers. have a rich and rest-filled saturday! xx
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Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a freelance graphic designer and illustrator working from home and taking care of my little boy.  I love art, photography, crafts, style, exploring new places, spending time with my loved ones and sharing my creative journey on my blog.

What first inspired you to become a graphic designer + illustrator by trade?

I have loved art since I was very little and illustration was a huge part of my focus.  As I studied fine arts in high school, I realized that I wanted my art to be practical and useful, not just pretty.  So, studying graphic design helped me create a balance between design and illustration and I love it. 

What do you love most about what you do?

The thing that I love the most about what I do is the fact that I am able to do what I love. I love the fact that my work is also my passion, and that helps me continue what I do and not give up.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find inspiration in the very simple and natural things really.  I am inspired by the textures, shapes and colors of Florals, the grace and beauty of animals and by people.

Can you tell us a little bit about what it's like, being a mom?

Being a mom is beautiful as well as challenging at times.  I have learned a lot in the past 3 years about humility, responsibility, selflessness and patience and I am so grateful for it. Besides wanting to be a good artist, I strive to be the best mother for my child; I want him to be happy, healthy and to always feel that he is loved.

What words of advice would you give to aspiring artists?

Work very, very hard and have fun in what you are doing.

all photos credited to oana befort.

pressed.

original photo

i am being pressed, like grapes into wine. Yahweh is making my heart softer, more pliable ─ less like stone, more like clay. i feel more than i ever have before. and while it's wonderful, i am learning that to love deeply means that sometimes you hurt all the way down to your bones. i'm still not sure how to leave my heart out in the open, and risk having it scorched by open flames of hatred. human that i am, i just want to hide in a dark corner (hands crossed over my chest), and not give Light the chance to change the way I see the world. when we were kids they taught us not to hide it under a bushel, but they never told us there would be so much pain, so much destruction, so much constant hurt of which there would be so little we could do to make better. every time i turn on the tv, it's there in bright, vibrant colors. never leave the house, unless you want something bad to happen to you, they cry, and for the longest time, i listened. only now am i realizing that the tv doesn't know my God, doesn't know that i'll be protected by His presence when i go out and when i come in, and that no matter what happens, the end is not the worst thing in the world.

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just some scribbling from my moleskin. i've been in a bit of a funk for the past few days, so please forgive the scattered subject matter.
happy monday, friends.
xo, j

p.s. watch this. it's pretty epic.