Patron Spotlight: Pinapali (Patreon)

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For this month’s Patron Spotlight, we’re delving into the world of illustration with Alicia, known on the internet as Pinapali. Alicia is originally from Spain, but recently moved to Wales to work in animation! She’s been drawing her whole life. “As a kid, I was addicted to cute cartoons,” she says. “My first drawings were fanarts of Sailor Moon, The Powerpuff Girls, Sakura… I loved all the magical girls.” She even sent me a picture she drew around the age of eight — and it is adorable. “I felt like an ARTIST™,” she jokes.

Despite her determination to pursue art, her parents urged her to pursue a “real job,” so she studied Translation and Interpreting in English and French before finally convincing them to let her study Fine Arts. “It’s been a long way,” she says. “Even though I have formal training, it takes a lot of my own free time to learn more.”

When I look at Alicia’s work, I feel like she has a very distinctive style, but she admits she has a hard time seeing her own style. “Nowadays we see a lot of art on social media and I think we influence each other all the time,” she says. “It’s great because you see fresh things that can inspire you, but it can be a bit overwhelming. Social media makes you feel like you need to produce all the time.”

Of course, she’s influenced by more than just other artists online. “When I’m stuck with something, I look at art books to see how other artists solved the problem I’m having,” she says. “My main influences are visual development artists at Disney, Brittney Lee, Lorelay Bové.” And even this many years after her initial interest in art was sparked by cartoons, she says she’s still inspired by them — and soon her work in animation will be inspiring others! “My first project was a series for kids called Luo Bao Bei,” she says. Alicia made some backgrounds and props for the second season, which is coming soon. “It’s really cute! I can’t wait to show everyone.”

Among her artistic inspirations is a personal favorite of mine — Critical Role! “Part of what got me into Critical Role was fanart and cosplay,” she says. “I love the community! Everyone is so creative.” She’s especially drawn in by how welcoming the fandom is to unique interpretations of the characters. In fact, Alicia has designed some of her own Jester outfits.

“I adore Jester’s cute chaotic persona!” she says. “I cosplayed her for the last MCM London and met a lot of Critters. Even though Critical Role is really big at the moment, we all still get excited to see another Critter as if it were a small fandom.”

Another fandom Alicia is loving right now is Animal Crossing. “My island is called Tomayo and I restarted the game until I got oranges because it’s the fruit we have in my real life city, Seville!” she says. She’s been creating fanart both of Animal Crossing and in Animal Crossing using the custom designs tool. “I’ve created cosplays and my own clothing line,” she says. “And I’ve taken more selfies in game than out of game lately!”

Although it’s temporarily closed due to the pandemic, she also has a shop where she sells art and enamel pins. She’s even working on designing some patterned button-up shirts! If you, like me, are excited to see what Alicia does next, make sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter!