Interview with Mrs. Sonia Castillo García
Ms. Sonia Castillo is a Professor of Design, Graphic-Plastic Expression Techniques and Plastic Education at the Alborán School. She is also a Graphic Designer, Painter, Illustrator and, above all, an Artist.
«Normally I paint when I feel the need and I almost always try to get a creative brushstroke, an artistic touch from all my projects»
- How did you become a teacher at Colegio Alborán?
I was very interested in being able to work in a school that offered its students the opportunity to study the Artistic Baccalaureate, so I made a selection of different schools that offered it and that was when the Alborán School called me to offer me to work here. It was an immense joy for me. This is my second year at this school and I am very happy and proud.
- When did you realize that illustration and design were your vocation?
I've been drawing, painting all my life... since I was little I liked drawing, (between laughs) and I even played drawing. I became interested in design and illustration as soon as I began my studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Granada, where I had to decide which subjects to take and where I wanted to focus my profession.
- Have you ever exhibited anywhere? Where?
Yes, I have exhibited my paintings and illustrations in different cities: Granada, where I am from, Seville, Córdoba, Valencia, Madrid... Most of the exhibitions have been as a result of Competitions organized by institutions, associations, companies... but I have also had the opportunity to make personal exhibitions.
- What It is what led you to study at the Faculty of Fine Arts.rtes?
Clearly my vocation, that inclination that I felt since I was little, I had it clear from then on. Although I considered becoming a veterinarian, I ruled it out because I couldn't bear the idea of seeing animals suffer, so from a very young age I focused my future on my clearest vocation, the art.
- What is your favorite illustration so far?
It's difficult to talk about a specific illustration by another author, because there are so many illustrators that I admire. Regarding my work, I have a special affection for a project that I have been developing for a few years and that I would like to see the light of day in publication mode at some point. It is a story, written and illustrated by me, with a very endearing protagonist and an environmental message.
- When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
It's clear! Artist (between laughs), although I also love teaching, more and more.
- What differences do you notice between Secondary Education and Baccalaureate?
A notable difference is that in Baccalaureate you are already focusing on a specialty, clearly noticing a greater interest in the subjects studied and you are seeing your future a little more clearly, especially in this Baccalaureate that is so vocational. In Secondary Education you are still testing what your strongest interests are, it is a very important stage in which you are gradually defining your future.
- What inspires you when you paint?
I am inspired by reality, although I always like to give it a conceptual touch with some theme. Normally I paint or draw when I feel the need and I almost always try to get a creative brushstroke, an artistic touch, from all my projects. Even in daily life we can add that artistic and creative touch to everything we do.
- What other jobs have you had?
Mainly, I have developed works related to graphic design, but also linked to teaching artistic subjects; I worked for a few years in a graphic design studio creating corporate identity design, advertising, Web design... also, as a designer of online educational content. And of course, as a drawing teacher.
- Do you think it is important that our school has the art baccalaureate modality?
It seems very important to me that we have the Artistic Baccalaureate modality in our school, and Alborán has also been the first private center to offer it. Art is as important as other modalities in our life and our society, which is why we must encourage it and continue to keep it alive.
