Gabrielle is theconsciousillustrator

Gabrielle de Fontanes makes her thoughts come to life with her illustrations and drawings.

artist

Looped in by Tina Frey

I’m an illustrator and designer focused on combining my creativity, craft and experience into illustrations that shake the norms of conventional branding.

I grew up in Venice, CA raised by two creatives so art projects were abundant in our household. My parents always offered space and support for my crazy art endeavors and I’m forever grateful I was able to test out so many paths at a young age. I started my career in the film industry, working as a production assistant and aspiring director, eventually landing into my current profession as an illustrator. It’s interesting to look back at the reason why I even chose to become a director. It was always about making whatever was in my head come to life, and little did I know, illustration and drawing was the perfect avenue for that. 

In your opinion, what makes someone 'a creative'?

I think a lot of us have creativity within, whether we know it or not. Creativity can come in many different shapes and forms; art, problem solving, critical thinking, ingenuity…The potential for being creative is endless. We have this stigma that you have to create something tangible and grandiose in order to be considered a 'creative' when in reality, I admire those who can create and design ideas for the betterment of humanity. 

What's one unexpected place where you find inspiration?

Each project is so unique, I often approach inspiration in many different and unexpected ways. I try to find the root of my client’s story and from there look for inspiration, think of it as inspiration research so to speak! I never really know how or when it will spark an idea.

What are you most passionate about?

I’m most passionate about the people I’ve had the pleasure to work with and for. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some pretty cool, like-minded and sustainable clients who are trying to do better for this world. I’m constantly inspired by the ingenuity and drive of others and it really makes each project that much more interesting and special. 

What's one piece of advice that changed your life?

Everything you do in life has a purpose. I think my dad told me that once or I’ll give him credit for it. It refers to all the odd jobs one finds themselves doing (including myself) and how each experience and lesson will help you in your life. It’s really helped me appreciate the here and now and not get so caught up in the “what am I doing with my life” drama. 

What do you love most about being a creative?

It’s brought me experiences I never thought possible! Going back to the varying projects and people I work with, you never know what the next will bring, how to go about designing it, what I’ll learn from it, and that’s the most fulfilling and exciting aspect of it all. 

"We have this stigma that you have to create something tangible and grandiose in order to be considered a 'creative' when in reality, I admire those who can create and design ideas for the betterment of humanity."

What is your superpower?

My determination, if you could call it a superpower! It’s helped me in all aspects of my life and I cherish it. 

In another life, I would have been...

 A music composer for film scores. 

If you could create something to make the world a better place, what would that be?

Something to help combat climate change and protect the natural beauty around us. Whether that’s a machine, a message, or some way we can come together and figure this out. 

"I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some pretty cool, like-minded and sustainable clients who are trying to do better for this world."

Who is inspiring you
right now?

Lily Polstein
@sustainablelandscapes.la

Founder of Sustainable Landscapes LA-Lily is an LA native focused on creating eco-friendly, organic gardens for urban living. I’m so proud to call her a friend, she’s truly making some cool gardens out there and starting buzz on the importance of drought friendly landscaping.

Founder of Sustainable Landscapes LA-Lily is an LA native focused on creating eco-friendly, organic gardens for urban living. I’m so proud to call her a friend, she’s truly making some cool gardens out there and starting buzz on the importance of drought friendly landscaping.

Julie Jordan
@/jj_koolj

Julie is a photographer and dear friend. Her photos and color tones are so calming to look at, especially her work featuring California and Pacific Northwest travels. I’ve had the pleasure to shoot with her for a few projects and she’s such a dream to work with.

Julie is a photographer and dear friend. Her photos and color tones are so calming to look at, especially her work featuring California and Pacific Northwest travels. I’ve had the pleasure to shoot with her for a few projects and she’s such a dream to work with.

Jessica Gonzalez
@happyorganics.co

Founder of Happy Organics- Jessica started as a client of mine and pretty quickly became a friend. Her focus on creating a better environment for bees (and us) is endlessly inspiring. Her bee farm produces some exceptional small batch honey that’s both good for us and the bees.

Founder of Happy Organics- Jessica started as a client of mine and pretty quickly became a friend. Her focus on creating a better environment for bees (and us) is endlessly inspiring. Her bee farm produces some exceptional small batch honey that’s both good for us and the bees.

Carmen Kelly
@california_dirt

aka California Dirt - Fellow graphic designer and illustrator, Carmen has used her fine craft skills to produce beautifully cool jewelry pieces. They’re like sculptures for everyday wear and I can’t wait to see what she continues to create!

aka California Dirt - Fellow graphic designer and illustrator, Carmen has used her fine craft skills to produce beautifully cool jewelry pieces. They’re like sculptures for everyday wear and I can’t wait to see what she continues to create!

What are you loving right now?

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