What did you learn (or unlearn) while working on them?
This process has been a constant learning experience, both technically and conceptually.

In illustration, I discovered how challenging —and rewarding— it is to create images with a narrative sequence, making each piece dialogue with the next so that together they tell a story. I also ventured into experimenting with new materials and stepped slightly outside the comfort of digital, which opened up new creative possibilities.

In photography, I learned to let go of control. By taking shots from my bike, using only my phone camera, I had to accept that the images would be more spontaneous and experimental, less calculated. (I also learned that it’s not very safe to do it on any bike other than my own.)

And regarding the whales, this year I dared to work with ceramics, which has been both a challenge and a great source of satisfaction.

Yes. Two books in particular accompanied me through this process:
Freedom, city, resilience.
Confinement, abuse, fear.

Were there any conversations, movies, music, or books that made their way into that work?
Sí. Dos libros en particular me acompañaron mucho en este proceso: El síndrome de la impostora and Cómo hablar balleno.

Both inspired me and, in a way, conversed with the pieces I was creating.

What's been the most difficult thing you've faced recently in your creative process?
Facing Úrsula, my inner impostor, every day.
That voice that insists nothing I do has value, that everything has already been done, that someone else could do it better. Learning to coexist with her —and not let her take control— has been one of my greatest challenges.

What is your favorite restaurant and what do you recommend we order?
Café de Raíz. Don’t miss their rice tamales or the Zacahuil—they’re a delight.

If your life were a movie this month, what would it be called and who would write the soundtrack?
Title: The Universe has always known how to pull me out of where I shouldn’t be.
Soundtrack: The Smiths and Depeche Mode.

Recomiéndanos algún artista que sigas y te inspire. ¿Qué es lo que más te gusta de su trabajo?
Many people inspire me, even strangers whose actions awaken something within me. But if I had to name a few, two artists have marked my path over the past few years:

Enrique Abe: photographer, illustrator, designer, and maker. I deeply admire his creative process and ability to materialize ideas. Starting from a paper sketch, he takes it to a 3D render, then to 3D printing, creating molds and counter-molds in silicone, producing pieces in concrete or ceramics, designing packaging, and finally doing the photoshoot. His way of integrating disciplines and completing each project in a holistic way fascinates me.

Diana Zela: Mexican illustrator and friend. Beyond her incredible talent for creating illustrations and illustrated books, I admire her generosity and collaborative spirit. Diana is always willing to share her knowledge, without envy or reserve. She is creative, hardworking, organized, and deeply professional. Her attitude inspires me as much as her work.

Sofía Soto

Born in Mexico City, she holds a master’s degree in Design and Visual Communication and works as a freelance illustrator. She trained at UNAM, UAM Xochimilco, and INBA, and has developed her illustration work in a largely self-taught manner. Curious by nature, she sees learning new things as a way of being in the world.

www.instagram.com/sofiasoto.ilustracion/

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