I LOVE ILLUSTRATION!
INSPIRATION
Shelly Arroyo
Paul, circa 1994. © Shelly Arroyo
So, after learning how I feel about illustration, no one should be shocked to learn how excited I became when I found my sophomore sketchbook, from high school. I thought it had been long lost!
I guess maybe it’s one of those innate characteristics that my genetics blessed upon me, but I have a weak spot for art of all kinds, especially illustration. Doesn’t matter if it’s my own or someone else’s, or a random doodle by a child (especially my child!) I am not prejudice about technique, either. It could be made by a modern computer or by a traditional graphite pencil…I LOVE ILLUSTRATION!
Barbra, circa 1993. © Shelly Arroyo
I JUST LOVE ILLUSTRATION!
Linda, circa 1993. © Shelly Arroyo
Within it’s dusty pages, unknowingly hidden in my storage shed, I found the gems you see highlighted in this post. Dated 1992-1995, I was shocked when this trip down memory lane seemed like yesterday, yet was over twenty years ago. I remember lying on my bedroom floor, sketching as I often did for my weekly class assignment, taking my subjects from ads in fashion magazines. Occasionally, I would look into my floor-length mirror, imagining the person staring back at me was my audience. Somehow, through my wandering imagination, I often dreamt it was someone else other than me, rather, maybe one of my fans, and that silly figment somehow empowered me to draw better.
Unknown, circa 1993. © Shelly Arroyo
Unknown, circa 1993. © Shelly Arroyo
Cindy, circa 1995. © Shelly Arroyo
MEET THE AUTHOR
All content and artwork © Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea.
Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea!
I have been a graphic designer excelling in desktop publishing programs, dabbling in web design, and making brand content for twenty years. I have owned my own brick-and-mortar studios, and developed my own brands. Designing user-centric UX, beautiful graphics and meeting deadlines are some of my strongest skills…but don’t forget my killer macaroni and cheese!
PLEASE FOLLOW ME as I embark on a quest to enjoy, learn from, and raise my bamBEANos, in the best way this Mama Chickpea can. Art is my “balance” to life and I enjoy all the DIY therapy I can handle! To learn more about Mama Chickpea, click HERE.
XOXO-
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When I’m not learning something new, I love creating anything arts and crafts, watching comedy, and cuddling with my crew — all alongside being immersed in my love of all things design.
Join me! A journey is always better with friends. 🩷
MY MISSION
© Copyright Mama Chickpea 2026.