Five Questions with Illustrator and Author Stacie Arguello
This week we would like you to meet one of our Individual Creator Members, Stacie Arguello.
1. What was the inspiration behind becoming a children’s book illustrator/author? What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
My inspiration for becoming a Children’s Book Illustrator/Author was the shocking revelation that children in marginalized communities are not represented by identifiable characters (I.e. Children of Color, children with LGBTQ Parents, Transgender Children, Children with disabilities, etc.). I wanted to change this, especially realizing my own child was being under-represented. So, I went from a storyboard artist to a story artist. I enjoy seeing the light and sparkle in a child’s eyes when they realize the hero of my book is just like them. This inspires my stories and encourages me to work harder.
2. What do you think is the biggest misconception about your line of work?
The biggest misconception is probably that artists are messy and lazy. When people I meet for the first time ask what I do for a living, I am often met with comments like, Are you starving? Is this a hobby? Do your parents hate you for going to Art School? But I’m a good sport and laugh off the ignorance. I followed my bliss and that makes me pretty wealthy.
3. When did you first become aware of copyright and why?
I became aware of the importance of copyrighting and protecting your work in Art School. I took an Entrepreneurial Class as an elective, and I am very happy I invested time in that class.
4. What is your best piece of advice that you would give other creators in your field about copyright and how to protect themselves?
Learn the legalities of business. Take a business class. An artist is an entrepreneur and it only helps to invest in your livelihood and business to understand the ins and outs.
5. If there was one aspect of the copyright law that you could change, what would that be and how would you change it?
It should be easier for the small guys to fight the big guys who may steal an idea and try to tweak it just enough to make it look like their “big creative” brains created the idea or design. It’s stealing, plain and simple.
Are you one of our Individual Creator Members? Participate in our Creator Spotlight series! Please email us at cawebsite@copyrightalliance.org. And if you aren’t already a member of the Alliance, you can join today by completing our Individual Creator Members membership form!