Gissel Batres
Gissel Batres
Collagist | Visual artist
Chihuahua, Mexico
instagram: @gisselbatres
society6: @gibatres
behance: @gisselbatres
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a freelancer visual artist who specializes in digital collage art. ”
If I’m not working in personal collages, I'm working in commissioned music artwork, dancing to Britney Spears, or (my ultimate not-so guilty pleasure) watching anime.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I've been interested in art ever since I was a little kid. I was around 11 years old when I downloaded a free graphic design software and started to edit photos and make "edits" of the Jonas Brothers, and it was like discovering a whole new world. In high school I took art class as an extracurricular activity and just fell in love with art and knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.
In 2014 I started my degree on Visual Arts. I couldn't imagine myself studying anything else and I was really, really happy. But then I started to feel burnt-out and stuck because I was only doing school-related stuff, and my mental health issues got worse. It was then when I started to experiment with collage as some sort of therapy, and it quickly became my thing and here I am!
HOW DO YOU STAND OUT IN YOUR FIELD?
I believe everyone has something unique to offer. But I pride myself in always trying to explore new things and not get stuck in certain style or doing things just because I'm supposed to. I love creating and I love expressing myself. I see collage as an opportunity to create new worlds and making my voice (or my clients') heard.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
This is so exciting. Right now I'm working on an editorial project for a beauty company that's releasing their first print magazine. I've always wanted to work on editorial projects and I hope this won't be the last.
I'm also working on a few single covers and album cover artwork.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My creative process is very intuitive and I think that shows in my work. I like my work to be colorful and you'll pretty much always find yellow on it.
My main inspiration comes from nature and music, and I'm always inspired by the women around me.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
I definitely would love to focus more on creating analog collage pieces. I also would love to get more into animation and bring my collages to life.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
My laptop hasn't been working that good and it's been overheating (it's 98 °F where I live, so...), and I'm afraid it's going to shut down when I least expect it. Although I hope I'm wrong, it's been stressing me out.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Checking out and replying to my emails. Definitely.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I’d tell my 15-year-old self that everything’s going to work out fine. Oh, and learn to save money! It’ll save us some time in the future.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Probably about the business side of the art industry, finances and what they did to become in the experts they are. Also, what their favorite albums are. It'd be an awesome plus.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’d love to work on more editorial projects. Maybe a magazine cover. And I’m down to any music related project!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I love working with people who know what they want, but also give me the freedom to do my own thing - creatively speaking.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I usually have a flat rate but it varies depending on the project. I take into consideration what the project's timeline is, what the artwork is used for + usage rights, and I'm willing to negotiate according to the client's budget.
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
I have the honor of calling my best friends my favorite artists: Analaura Cardenas is an amazing illustrator + painter who has so much passion for what she does. My best friend Natalia Zapata is another illustrator I admire and respect so much. Her children illustration is lovely. Another artist I love is Jasmine Dianne. Her collages are magical and out of this world. And Cassandra Jolie is a game-changer and her work is so inspiring.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Feel free to reach out to me via email! Although you can always slide into my Instagram’s DM first, no problem. Tell me about your project, your vision, deadlines and budget if you have one. Any inspiration moodboard or extra information you’d like to share is always welcome!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Music is food for the soul.
This member profile was originally published in June 2019.