051: Novem Gimoto

Based in Guam, Novem Gimoto is a graphic designer and illustrator who creates commercial art and digital and print advertisements.

Passionate about both animation and illustration, Gimoto enjoys how these art forms intertwine to tell stories. Her childhood love for cartoons and anime, like Tom and Jerry and Popeye, inspired her to start drawing and shaped her creative journey. Today, her inspiration comes from a variety of sources, including memories, nature, her mom’s garden, and even her cats. In her free time, she focuses on personal projects like sketches, illustrations, and loop animations.

Gimoto’s process begins with research and conceptualization, moving into sketching and refining until she’s satisfied with the result. Though still experimenting to find her unique style, she often incorporates cats and vibrant colors into her art. She values discipline, setting deadlines to stay on track, and uses breaks to overcome creative blocks.

Believing that art has the power to influence and redefine culture, Gimoto acknowledges the challenges artists face in being undervalued. Despite societal expectations to follow a conventional career path, she pursued art out of a desire to do what she loves, finding fulfillment in the process.

For Gimoto, the best place to create is at home, where she enjoys peace and quiet to focus on her craft. Over time, her skills have obviously evolved. Despite this, she jokes that she can now draw hands instead of hiding them behind characters' backs.

“It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be finished”

— Novem Gimoto

To read Novem Gimoto’s full interview, continue reading below! Also, check out her work by following her on Instagram (@novemdraws). Thanks for reading!

Describe what you do.

I’m a graphic designer and illustrator. I create commercial art as well as advertisements both digital and in print. In my free time, I enjoy creating sketches, illustrations, and little loop animations.

Why did you choose your art form?

I go back and forth with animation and illustration because they go hand in hand in storytelling. There's so much that goes into animating and the fun part is figuring out and seeing the work come to life.

How did you get into art?

I grew up watching cartoons on Cartoon Network and anime. Shows like Popeye, Bugs Bunny, Tom and Jerry always made me laugh and I enjoyed it. Once the cartoon shows are over I’d switch the channel to watch anime. I enoyed it so much I started drawing the characters I liked.

Who do you idolize?

I don’t idolize anyone but I do admire the artists who have endured and are still working to master their craft.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Memories, past experiences, places I’ve been, my mom’s garden; watching my cats while they sleep; observing people in the world – anywhere, really.

What do you do when you're stuck on an artwork or lacking motivation or inspiration?

I set deadlines to avoid procrastination. When I’m stuck on something, taking a break from it helps me recharge and refocus.

What do you like incorporating most into your art?

Cats and colors.

What is something that you add to your art like your signature?

I don’t have a signature yet, but someday.

Take us through your process for making art.

Once I have a general concept, I’ll do some research until I’m ready to move on to sketching and layout. From there, I keep refining until I’m satisfied with the final product.

What do you struggle with the most when making art?

I think it’s finding my unique style. A lot of artists have their signature and I feel like I haven’t found mine yet. I like experimenting with different concepts in illustration and design to understand how it works. Maybe someday I’ll find it.

What role do artists have in society?

While I find that artists are generally undervalued in our society, great art can influence culture and even redefine it.

What characteristics do you think all artists share?

I think all artists possess a certain degree of arrogance. Although it has its negative connotations, it takes arrogance to believe that you can create a great work of art.

What’s your favorite place in Guam?

At home, where I can work and create in peace.

How has your artwork evolved over time?

I can draw hands now instead of hiding them behind the person’s back like this:

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Why did you choose to become an artist?

While my parents wanted me to pursue a more conventional line of work, I felt that a career in art doing what I love would be more fulfilling. And it is.

Do you have any tips for aspiring artists?

“It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be finished”

Is your art geared towards a specific audience?

No. I don’t think so, but if they like it–Hey, shameless plug. Like and follow. If not, then that’s cool too.

052: Fu’una

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