At the current moment, something that really inspires me to keep creating is knowing that I can positively touch someone with my art. It’s truly an amazing feeling when I read comments or messages saying, “I needed to see this today.” - Carlos Fama
Black skin has always been a source of inspiration to many artists. Some artists claim that the melanin-rich skin when painted, photographed, or created through digital art, inspires them through their spiritual and artistic journey. One of those artists is Carlos Fama.
Carlos Fama (@ig_fama) is a multimedia artist from Cadiz, Spain, who began as a footballer at 17 but later discovered a new love for art and chose to make a profession from it. His portfolio offers captivating figures that combine his 3D and graphic art attempts.
In this interview, he discusses how African culture inspires his work. The shift from football to art, NFTs, and his exciting career as a digital artist.
What's it like growing up in Spain? What was childhood like for you?
I grew up in a small town in Spain. Spain has a relaxed way of life, making it easy to feel comfortable. I was lucky to have a united family where I always felt loved. I used to enjoy making sketches and paintings of Dragonball Z characters, but I would mostly spend most of my time in the streets playing football with my friends. At the age of 11, I lost my mother to cancer, and even though it complicated the next few years of my childhood, I still have many memories of joy and happiness.
Where does your inspiration come from?
At the current moment, something that really inspires me to keep creating is knowing that I can positively touch someone with my art. It’s truly an amazing feeling when I read comments or messages saying, “I needed to see this today.” It makes me feel like my artwork can influence people's hearts and bring positivity; that's what makes me happy and inspired to create.
What's it about digital art that means a lot to you? In what way has digital art impacted your life?
What I love about digital art is that you can literally create whatever you want; there’s no limit! At first Digital art was merely a hobby I was passionate about. Now I am a full-time artist, and I am incredibly grateful to be able to focus on my passion.
“To me, dark-skinned women represent the purest and most vivid image of the mother Goddess, the mother of civilization. From her flourishes diverse forms of beauty all over the world. In essence, she is the blueprint, to which showing appreciation and gratitude is a must.”
Was there ever a time when you didn't know your purpose? Or have you always known
your purpose lies in the artistic world?
Although I always loved to draw and was very artistic, my childhood dream was to be a professional footballer, and I made my debut at 17. My football career wasn’t fancy at all… rather, it was very unstable and came to an abrupt end when I was 27. This time in my life was extremely difficult as I had no career direction and was slumped in deep melancholy or sadness. I started my Instagram profile while waiting for my next team, a team that never came. But all's well that ends well because I've come a long way, and I am much happier now, knowing I still have a long journey ahead.
“What I love about digital art is that you can literally create whatever you want; there’s no limit! At first Digital art was merely a hobby I was passionate about. Now I am a full-time artist, and I am incredibly grateful to be able to focus on my passion.”
This is inspiring, and I believe the future’s bright as well. So how do you think NFTs have impacted the digital art world and changed how it used to be perceived?
Digital artists very much needed the NFT space for people to start taking digital artists seriously. It hurts when an art dealer or the owner of an art gallery doesn't see the value in one of your pieces simply because it isn't hand-painted. I say, "Every art style is valuable, and the tools we use shouldn't define its value simply because they are digital tools."
"Beauty comes in all forms" as a digital Artist who has the control to design and define what beauty is from their eyes, what's your definition of "beauty"?
Beauty is found in everything! As individuals, we can have attractions and preferences for different things, but we should all understand that beauty is not defined by individual perception.
“Digital art didn't always have the same reputation it has now. Over time, it has improved and will continue to grow in the future, thanks to the NFT space. I think it’s a great time to be a digital artist.”
What's your creative process like as a digital Artist?
I don’t follow the same criteria every time. I browse through art and photography, and ideas start to form depending on what I get inspired by. There's also a considerable element of freestyle and trusting the process. Sometimes the results are entirely different.
Your works show the appreciation of dark-skinned women; what's the message behind that?
To me, dark-skinned women represent the purest and most vivid image of the mother Goddess, the mother of civilization. From her flourishes diverse forms of beauty all over the world. In essence, she is the blueprint, to which showing appreciation and gratitude is a must.
Before digital art, what did you do, and where do you see yourself now with digital art?
I was a footballer before I went into digital art. Reaching my goals as a footballer was extremely difficult because time and politics were not always on my side. Digital art came into my life when I needed it the most. The journey as an artist has had its difficulties and obstacles, but with gratitude, hard work, and consistency, I feel like the sky's my limit.
Is the perception of digital artists one you love? What would you want to change in the digital artists' world if not?
Digital art didn't always have the same reputation it has now. Over time, it has improved and will continue to grow in the future, thanks to the NFT space. I think it’s a great time to be a digital artist.
How do you see art evolving in the next five years? Before now, many artists didn't know they could monetize their art on various digital platforms and even be included in the cryptocurrency world. With this development, how do you see art soon?
I’m excited about my current path as an artist. I tend not to think about where I'll be in 5 years; rather, I'd like to focus on improving my skills in every piece I create. The fact that we can monetize our work and even be included in the cryptocurrency world is a significant plus, and it definitely helps us artists focus more on our work and improve.
What are your favorite designing tools for your work?
My favorite tool is Photoshop. I’m currently learning 3D design, it’s fun, but it can’t compare with Photoshop.
What message do you have for digital artists hoping to make a break in the artistic world?
First, money cannot be the defining factor; you need to love what you do. Focus on constructing and improving your skill. Take advantage of social media to connect with people who support and appreciate what you do and vice versa. There will be ups and downs, so stay as focused and positive as possible because better times always come.
We know you’re always thinking of new ideas, what future projects should we expect from your creative desk?
I'm currently taking on various freelance projects; it's a great feeling being sought out and pursued because of my art style. I’m also trying to focus on improving my skills as an artist so I can continue to create even more beautiful pieces.
Finally, what words of encouragement do you live by, this could help a reader out there
Life can and probably will knock you not only once but many times in your head. Don’t lose faith; life still ,is a miracle.
See more stories from issue 2 Beauty Comes In All Forms or support us by buying a copy here