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The Q&A: Miranda Bruce

By Peggy Roalf   Monday November 19, 2018

Q: Originally from Costa Rica, what are some of your favorite things about living and working in New York City?

A: I was born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica. I lived among trees and mountains my whole life so moving to a big city like New York six years ago was a big shock at first. But I’ve learned to enjoy the fast-paced lifestyle. Having everything you imagine available anytime, every day, creates a whole world of possibilities that makes the city a great place to be as an artist.

Q: Do you keep a sketchbook? What is the balance between art you create on paper [or other analog medium] versus in the computer?

A: I always keep a sketchbook, and sometimes work on a couple of them at the same time. It’s the place I feel the most free and it allows me to test out ideas. Most of my final pieces start from drawings in my sketchbook. I also do color and textures manually and finally scan everything and start manipulating small details and color digitally.

Q: What is the most important item in your studio?

A: My headphones. When I’m ready to work, putting my headphones on allows me to concentrate and start producing at a quicker pace without any distractions.

Q: How do you know when the art is finished—or when to stop working on it?

A: The moment I ask myself if adding something else is going to ruin the piece. Most of the time this is the moment I realize it is finished.

Q: What was your favorite book as a child?

A: I really enjoyed the Little Critter series by Mercer Mayer. I probably checked out every single volume that existed at my school library.

Q: What is the best book you’ve recently read?

A: I read Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami during the summer, a great compilation of short stories! I really enjoy reading short stories these days, becaause I can give each story my full attention without committing to an entire book.

Q: If you had to choose one medium to work in for an entire year, eliminating all others, what medium would you choose?

A: Right now I would probably choose graphite. Specifically, a 9B pencil with black lead. Its what I’ve been working with the most in my sketchbook. It’s perfect for getting the line quality and texture I like.

Q: What elements of daily life exert the most influence on your work practice?

A: My everyday routine is a large influence on my work practice. I like to observe and pay attention to small details, like looking at strangers on the subway, listening to random conversations and imagining what their lives might be like. Getting a glimpse of another person’s life is a great inspiration for my work. From these moments I create characters, and imagine settings and stories I’d like to draw and tell.

Q: What was the strangest/most interesting assignment you've taken that has an important impact on your practice, and what changed through the process?

A: Some years ago, while still pursuing my undergraduate degree, I was asked by a maternity blog to illustrate an article about diaper pails. Eager to work, I took the job, but a couple of hours in, I was stuck and had no idea about how to make the project fun. It was a challenge to overcome this, and it showed me that it was my responsibility to find an interesting perspective on any job I took.

Q: What would be your last supper?

A: A giant bowl of fruit. Tropical fruit preferably. I’ll have fruit over anything, any day, any time.


Miranda Bruce is an illustrator living and studying in New York City. She was born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica and moved to New York to pursue her studies and career in illustration. She received her BFA in Illustration from Parsons the New School for Design and she is set to graduate in May 2019 from SVA with an MFA in the Illustration as Visual Essay program.
Website: http://mirandabruceart.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirandabruceart/
Behance: https://www.behance.net/mirandabruceart

Miranda’s MFA thesis project will be on view at the SVA MFA Illustration Book Show, December 7, 2018 - January 12 2019. roalf.dart.interview


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