Mayra (from the design section) talks about her role in the publishing house, art and how to keep generating ideas.

Interviewing her is Mel Alarcón.

What are your main roles within the publishing house?

Mayra: Well, my primary tasks are the design and layout of the books. I make lots of small decisions to present the text in the clearest and most direct way possible. For example, I select a suitable font that aligns with the tone of the text and a format that’s easy on the eyes. Essentially, it’s about creating an object that feels good to hold and invites people to read it. I also choose the paper carefully; some types support illustrations better, for instance. But if a book has many pages, it might need a thinner paper so it’s not too heavy… there’s a lot to consider.

Where did you learn about selecting the best paper and layout?

I learned layout from various sources. I consulted some editorial design manuals, asked my design professors, but most of it came from watching lots of YouTube videos on using the specific layout software we use. As for paper, I read a manual too, but I realized experience is everything. I had a long conversation with a print shop manager who knows a ton about paper, and he guided me on which paper works best for each case.

So you learned along the way?

Yes! Almost everything I’ve done for the publishing house, I’ve learned project by project. If a problem arises, I go and research it. I didn’t start out knowing all the answers.

What do you think are the most essential skills for design?

I think it’s the ability to judge what minimum elements are needed to communicate what you’re aiming for. It’s easy to get excited by the possibilities and want to keep adding details and experimenting. But for editorial design, it’s better to keep things simple to avoid overwhelming the eye or distracting the reader. And the goal is to serve the text, not overshadow it.

I know that, besides being a designer, you’re also an amazing illustrator. Why did you start drawing?

Pfft, I’ve never really known. I don’t know; I’ve always done it since I was little. I liked transferring what I saw into lines. It felt really satisfying to capture something that caught my attention in a few strokes. I began to take it seriously in high school when a teacher told me I should consider pursuing it seriously.

Mayra Dávila – ink on paper

Who are your main artistic references?

Ooof, I have so many. In drawing, Rembrandt, Dürer, Degas… but the painters I adore most are Georges de La Tour, Vermeer, and Holbein. I always return to them when I’m struggling to fix something (which is often).

Do you have any animation references? What cartoons did you watch as a kid?

I really liked My Little Pony, haha. Almost everything I drew as a kid was inspired by that show, and I learned a lot just so I could draw its characters better.

What would you say is your best illustration project?

Hmm, not sure. I’d say the fairy tale illustrations I’ve done. I did three from Little Red Riding Hood and one from a Poe story. I put my heart into all of them, and they feel the most like my own.

And what about your best graphic design project? Why?

I don’t have much work in that area, but the most challenging was definitely Sacha Thomas’ book. I had to do a lot of research and adapt to a non-traditional aesthetic, which required some inventive solutions. It was a demanding project, but I loved the results.

Mayra Dávila – ink on paper

Mayra Dávila – ink on paper

What do you hope to achieve with your work in the publishing house?

I think that working so closely with a publishing house gives me the chance to finally illustrate books, something I’ve wanted since I was young. I feel very lucky to be able to put my work at the service of other artists.

How do you stay inspired to keep creating ideas?

Well… usually, I read and look for images that interest me. Sometimes, I’ll go for a walk, or just stare at the wall. And when I’m trying to resolve something, I look at other people’s work.

Is there a particular piece of literature or art that’s stuck with you recently? It could be music, too.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Georges de La Tour since my last visit to the Prado. Honestly, the two pieces they have of his there are true miracles.

Do you have a favorite story or literary work you’d love to illustrate one day?

Yes! I’d love to create a complete version of Little Red Riding Hood , and illustrate some erotic texts too.

Thank you so much, Mayra!

Thank you!