Meet Vancouver-based Mural Artist, Illustrator and Painter Olivia Di Liberto aka Chillivia

This year's Free to Be campaign features Vancouver-based mural artist, illustrator, and painter, Olivia Di Liberto aka Chillivia. Partnering with Absolut Vodka, Freehouse Collective locations will be raising funds for Rainbow Railroad, an international not-for-profit that helps at-risk LGTBQIA2S+ people around the world find safety and freedom.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you first got into art?

A: I was always creative and drew a lot when I was a kid but it became more serious after I completed a graphic design diploma in 2015. I developed my illustration style while I was in school and realized that the traditional career path wasn't for me. I decided to take the road less travelled and dedicate myself to the arts.

I quickly acquired a love for painting, which in turn, eventually allowed me to go large scale and design public murals and art for commercial projects.

Q: How did you come up with the name “Chillivia”?

A: A girl once called me that because she thought I was chill. So she combined that with my name. I changed my Instagram handle to that kind of as a joke and then it just stuck and people started calling me that!

Q: Who or what are your biggest influences and inspirations in your artistic journey?

A: My biggest inspirations have always been other visual artists and travelling. I feel like I am constantly finding artists I've never seen before (thanks internet) and when I find something I really like it makes me feel motivated and inspired to create something new.

When I travel to places I've never been before it gives me a fresh outlook on life and that has an influence on my work. I take little pieces of those places with me and they seem to seep into my work.

Also, lately, I have been super inspired by interior design and I’ve been creating a lot of paintings with that in mind.

Q: Most amazing place you’ve travelled to, where are you going next and why? 

A: I am completely obsessed with New York. I have been twice and will always go back! And my next trip is to the Dominican Republic. My grandparents used to live there half the year so I am going to visit the house they left in the family!

Q: If you could give one piece of advice as a mentor, what would it be?

A: Be very careful of what advice you take from other people. Whether that be life choices or in your artwork. I have been stuck in times where I am constantly seeking outside validation to tell me if a piece is good or not but ends up making you more confused and silences your intuition. No one knows your work like you do so trust yourself the most!

Q: As an illustrator and designer, how do you balance artistic expression with meeting client expectations? How do you handle feedback and revisions?

A: I make sure that I create stuff for myself on the side and not just for clients. This allows me to feel fulfilled on both ends! It’s a tricky balance to stay happy, inspired and feel like you are always growing artistically when you are making art for money. So, it’s good to make some time where you get to create for yourself.

Q: Is there a specific project that you’re especially proud of?

A: I am proud of a painting I recently did that was commissioned by an interior design firm to be placed in a restaurant. This one is special to me because it is the direction I want to go in with my career. I would love to continue to make work that people want to hang in their establishments or homes!

Q: What does “Free to Be” mean to you?

A: For me it means living on my own accord. I feel like that’s why I chose this path in life. I’ve never really had a ‘real’ job and that’s because I made a choice when I was younger that I didn’t want other people deciding what I do with my time and life, I wanted to be Free to be!

Q: What message or emotion do you hope to convey through your art?

A: This is a difficult one for me to answer because I feel as though my work is constantly growing and changing. My design/illustration work is known for its optimism/playfulness and sense of nostalgia. This work is usually created with a purpose in mind and for brands/others. As for my personal work I just hope that it makes people create connections to their own lives and experiences.

Q: How important do you think social media and online platforms are for illustrators and designers today? How do you leverage these platforms to showcase your work and connect with your audience?

A: I think it’s super important but I also think that things have changed so much now compared to let’s say 5 years ago. The algorithm has changed and if you don’t adapt to being a ‘content creator’ your stuff just isn’t seen. This has been super disheartening and has even affected the amount of jobs I get.

But, you have to remember that social media and the algorithm isn’t everything! Just because you don’t get a certain amount of likes it doesn’t mean that piece isn’t good. I have to constantly remind myself to think this way because it’s super easy to get caught up in that mindset. There are so many connections to make in person. So go outside and talk to people!

Q: What gets you in the groove when you’re designing/drawing?

A: Definitely music. If I feel stuck or unmotivated I just need to listen to music for a bit and it gets me going.

Q: Favourite music/artist/genre to listen to while you’re designing/drawing?

A: Afrobeats, R&B, reggae, hip hop, rap etc.

Q: 5 things you can’t live without?

1. Pasta
2. My sister
3. My iPad
4. Burna Boy’s music
5. Coffee

Q: If you’re not in front of a computer, what do you like doing and where are you hanging out?

A: If I am not on my computer I am painting or creating something tactile. I also enjoy cooking a lot. I have an at home studio at the moment so I am most likely there!

Q: If you’re hosting a dinner party, what’s your signature dish?

A: Pasta with tomato sauce. My nonna’s recipe… it’s become a part of my personality at this point!

Q: If you’re shaking up a cocktail what would it be?

A: I am obsessed with micheladas. I will consider that a cocktail!

Q: If you weren’t designing, what type of work would you be most passionate about?

A: I think I would be an interior designer, which is still designing. I also think being a chef would be really cool. Which in a way I think could still be a form of designing as well.

Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring illustrators and designers who are just starting out in their careers? Are there any lessons you've learned along the way that you would like to share?

A: The million dollar question! I think the most important thing is to remember you’re not going to be good (or as good as you want to be) right away and that you really have to push past those feelings and keep creating. I still feel this way a lot of the time! It’s a mental game and you have to train yourself to keep trying. Also, put in a lot of hours, try to make something every day. I made a firm decision that this is what I wanted to do and how I wanted to spend my time.

Having worked with notable brands, such as Topo Chico, Vancouver Queer Film Fest and Artigiano Cafe, Olivia incorporates her highly recognizable illustrative elements, vibrant colour palettes and intricate line work to convey her version of “Free to Be”.

Learn more about the "Free to Be" campaign here or head to your nearest Freehouse Collective location for more information.