Artist of the Month - @camila_illustration

Camila's journey into art began with childhood doodles and a strong desire to express herself quietly and vividly. Deeply influenced by Studio Ghibli, traditional Japanese woodblock prints, and the natural world, her illustrations reflect a sense of wonder, calm, and deep connection to beauty, even during life’s more difficult moments.

"What drives me is my deep love for art, visual storytelling, and beautiful things. I constantly feel the urge to create, like there’s always something more waiting to come out of me."

After a disheartening stint in the design industry, she made the bold decision to pursue freelancing full-time in 2015. Since then, she's dedicated herself to creating art that brings joy, curiosity, and magic into people's lives. Whether she’s painting a mural, designing a sticker, or working on large-scale installations, Camila is constantly evolving, dreaming big, and inviting us all to see the world through a more colorful, imaginative lens.

StickerApp: Hi Camila! We're SO happy to have you as our August Artist of the Month! Do tell: Who is Camila Nogueira, and what are some of your biggest dreams in life?

Camila: I'm an artist from Porto, Portugal, born and raised in this vibrant city, surrounded by its colors, textures, and stories. My work blends dreamlike, surreal elements with real-world architecture and landscapes, creating magical versions of the places we live in and visit.

Some of my biggest dreams are to travel the world, keep making a living through my art, and continue to grow creatively while gaining recognition in my field. I hope my work inspires people to look at the world with more curiosity, wonder, and positivity. Life is a beautiful mystery, but it also comes with tough moments. Through my art, I want to remind people to focus on the beauty and magic that still exists around us.

StickerApp: Lovely! When and how did your creative journey begin?

Camila: I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, and always knew I’d become an artist. With many creatives in my family, I grew up believing it was possible to earn a living from art. Drawing was my safe space, a way to express myself as a shy girl. I went on to study Communication Design, which helped shape my visual language.

StickerApp: Was there a pivotal moment in your career that changed everything?

Camila: Definitely! After finishing my degree in 2015, I did an internship at a design studio and (plot twist) absolutely hated the experience. I quit after seven months, feeling more unhappy and disconnected than ever before. That was a turning point. It made me realize I couldn’t keep doing work that didn’t bring me joy or allow me to express myself. So I decided to take a risk and start freelancing, choosing projects I truly cared about and working in a way that felt meaningful.

That was at the end of 2015, and I’ve been on this freelance journey ever since!

StickerApp: What drives you as an artist, and what advice would you give to new artists?

Camila: My deep love for visual storytelling, beauty, and the urge to create. It feels like an endless pursuit; I’m always chasing the next idea, the next dreamy world. I draw inspiration from Japanese woodblock prints, cartoons, Studio Ghibli, street art, comics, and especially Nature. That sense of wonder is at the heart of everything I do.

It’s hard at first, no way around that. But if you can’t picture yourself doing anything else and still being happy, don’t give up! Take a part-time job if needed; I did, and it gave me time to build a meaningful portfolio. The journey is tough but incredibly rewarding.

StickerApp: Any favorite techniques?

Camila: Digital art using my Wacom tablet is still my favorite way to create. It allows me to explore color, detail, and composition in a very intuitive and fluid way. That said, I still love going back to the basics: sketching thumbnails with pencil and paper. There’s something raw and honest about those first marks that help shape the entire piece.I also enjoy painting murals and large sculptures. Large-scale painting is incredibly therapeutic, and I look forward to exploring more of it in the future.

StickerApp: Why do you choose StickerApp as your sticker partner in crime?

Camila: Because there’s simply no better quality on the market. I genuinely appreciate how StickerApp supports artists and provides tools that empower our work -  it’s everything an artist could dream of.

Working with StickerApp feels like having a creative partner who values and believes in what I do.

StickerApp: How do you use stickers in your brand, and do you have a favorite sticker material?

Camila: Pixie Dust! Since collaborating with you guys, I’ve fallen in love with its subtle sparkle. It adds magic without overpowering the artwork and fits my dreamy style perfectly.

I add my social handles in the design or as back-paper print and give them out at events or stick them around cities I visit. They’re a fun, personal way to share my art and create surprise moments of joy.

Thank you so much for the chat, Camila! To keep up with Camila, head over to her Instagram: @camila_illustration.