Jill Arteche

Teng Balili Ongpin
Apr 28, 2021
3 min read

Beautiful and talented art Illustrator, Jill Arteche’s artistic drive was innate ever since she was a child. Fortunately she pursued that drive and developed it into her own creative career up to adulthood. Viewers of her works are treated to creative, entertaining, and original visuals with an overall happy vibe, which makes you want to uncover the interesting stories behind each of her pieces.

Today, her playful art is being featured in art exhibitions, campaigns, book covers and awesome collaborations.

We had the privilege to do a quick Q&A with Jill about her artwork, inspirations and what she's up to nowadays.

PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?

I’m currently a full-time artist and illustrator. For two years, I worked as a graphic designer in several agencies, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that my heart was in art and illustration. Before committing to freelancing full-time, I took a residency in Illustration & Visual Storytelling at the School of Visual Arts in New York City to further my knowledge of the industry. Now, I’m fortunate to be able to turn my passion into a career.

"Take it Easy"

An ode to her quarter life and according to Jill a reminder to all workaholics that it's okay to maintain a work-life balance.

HOW DID YOUR LOVE FOR ART START?

Back then, I wasn’t really the most outgoing child and I felt most comfortable doing things alone. I spent most of my time drawing everything around me such as my family, our house and the cartoons on TV. At a young age, you would only really find me with my 64 pack of Crayolas and some bond paper completely filled up with drawings. That hasn’t changed much as I got older except that I started taking it more seriously and always hoping to improve in my craft.

Angelina

22 x 30 inches

Colored Pencil on Watercolor Paper

2020

WHO PURCHASED YOUR FIRST EVER WORK?

My relatives! I made digital prints of an earlier work and my family was quick to buy pieces for themselves. They’re my biggest supporters!

Merienda

30 x 30 inches

Digital painting on canvas

RUN US THROUGH YOUR ART?

My body of work is mostly known for the people I draw, mostly described as funny-looking because of how they exaggeratedly appear. In terms of theme –– I enjoy painting everyday scenes while incorporating my own take of humor in them. I find value in the mundane moments of life as I believe it’s where we find our most candid, truest and ugliest self. As an artist, I hope to capture a sense of familiarity that reminds people of this and in a way, relates with them. It might be crazy to say but I’d like to think of my works as friends –– ones who are there to make you laugh and share their everyday stories with you.

Pizza Warehouse Mural

Custom AF1s

Frank Ocean & Tyler the Creator

Just Enjoy the Ride

20 x 30 inches

Acrylic and Pencils on Watercolor Paper

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?

WHO WAS THE FIRST ARTIST THAT INFLUENCED YOU?

I find inspiration from everyday life. To me, the mundane moments we usually take for granted are what makes life truly beautiful and worth sharing. I also take inspiration from animated series/films like The Addams Family, Looney Tunes and Mr. Bean, as well as my collection of children’s books! I’m a big fan of Maurice Sendak and just about everything he’s illustrated.

Fierce Filipina written by

Maxie Villavcencio Pulliam

Illustrations by Jill Arteche

Available on Amazon & Issuu

WHAT'S YOUR PROCESS LIKE?

I don’t necessarily follow precise steps when making art but it always begins with an idea. I keep a sketchbook wherever I go to note down interesting things I run into or think of along the way. I just go back to this bank of ideas and freely choose which I want to work on in more detail later on. Sometimes though, the idea just comes to me randomly and I end up loving it so much that I have to work on it right away! Either works!

Random Strangers at Madison Square Park, New York ended up on Jill's Sketchbook

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO THIS PANDEMIC?

I’ve been spending a lot of time with my dogs. Aside from art, I think dogs in general have helped me keep my sanity during this pandemic! I’ve also been fortunate to be busy with work and preparing for my first solo exhibit at the end of the year.