Simply stated, Now On View celebrates and showcases the artists of Society6 and their work. Get to know them—and then get lost in their gallery.
As a way of introducing yourself, who are you and what do you do?
Hello! I’m Dorcas Magbadelo, a UK based illustrator and artist. I would say I have two distinct drawing styles; one is more bold and bright portrait illustration; the other is more delicate playing with lines and collaging pattern work. I primarily draw Black women and like to show Black womanhood in all its different forms.
Current city: St Leonard’s on Sea, UK
How did you make these?
I usually start from a pencil drawing and ink up before scanning and editing in Photoshop. I would like to improve my digital illustration skills but for now there’s just something really satisfying about working first in pencil and pen on paper.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I’m heavily inspired by Black women I see on a daily basis online and in my personal life; my friends and sisters. Black beauty across the African diaspora is so rich and diverse and I love to explore that in my illustrations – playing with color and pattern and showcasing different hairstyles and skin tones. I want Black women to feel seen and loved when they see my work.
What is the best advice you’ve gotten as an artist or the most important thing you’ve learned?
That you can create your own timeline – I’ve recently become interested in exploring non-western experiences of time and how that shapes my approach to how I work. Rest is so important and vital to our creativity as artists but it’s so easy to get into a cycle of constant work and burnout. Our value shouldn’t be equated to how much we can churn out; feel free to switch off, refresh and take time out where you need to rather than rushing through projects.
Where can people find you?
You can find me on Instagram @dorcascreates
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