POST 4 MESSAGE/MISSON - Suzie Barretto

What is the meaning, idea, and message of your work?

The meaning behind my work is all about creating moments and stories of connection and escapism. I aim to capture the humor and drama of everyday life through an anime and cartoon-inspired method of storytelling as well as art style, blending relatable scenarios with fantasy-like elements. My work also tends to be relatively feminine, and celebrates inclusivity, offering visuals to people of color– such as myself– so they can see themselves reflected in the characters and worlds I create. At the very heart of it, my art is mostly lighthearted and full of silly situations, even in the mundane, and I invite others to enjoy and share in on that experience.

What is a problem in the world that your work helps to solve or a story it helps to tell?

A problem in the world that my stories help to address is the lack of representation and inclusivity in media, especially in fantasy and humor genres. Through my characters and narratives, I strive to challenge stereotypes and create worlds where people of color, diverse genders, and unique identities are present, together. My work also aims to provide a sense of escapism and relief, offering a break from the heaviness of the world through humor and imaginative storytelling.

What is important to convey in your work?

What I find important to convey is authenticity and relatability. I want my characters and stories to feel real and grounded, even when they’re set in mythical or sci-fi worlds. Humor is a big part of that-- it's universal, and was (and still is) my favorite thing about watching anime and cartoons. At the same time, I want my work to reflect the diversity of the world we live in, creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. Whether it’s through a funny comic strip or a dramatic fantasy scene, I aim to capture emotions and experiences that resonate with others.

How do you want your audience to feel?

I want my audience to feel included, seen, and, most importantly, be part of the fantasy. Whether they’re laughing at a relatable joke or immersing themselves in a magical world, I hope they feel a sense of connection and belonging. I want my work to be a source of joy, comfort, and inspiration. I'd like it if they saw my art as a place where their mind can escape to, even for a moment, and feel like they’re part of something bigger.

How do you imagine the work will be received?

I’d like viewers of my work to feel welcomed, intrigued, and have a sense a curiosity. I'm hoping they’re drawn in by the humor style I do (which is typically absurd) and find relatability within my stories and understanding in the diverse worlds I create. Ideally, my work will spark conversations about representation and inclusivity under a positive light, while also providing a much-needed escape from the everyday. Finally, I imagine my audience chuckling, reflecting, and maybe even seeing a little bit of themselves in the characters I bring to life.

What does the work accomplish?

My work hopes to accomplish a narrative that is both alluring and fun to immerse your mind in. It creates that bridge between fantasy and reality, where people can explore new worlds while still finding pieces of their own lives reflected back at them. I see this a lot in the fandoms I’m part of, and when my friends tell me “Oh, I wish I existed in the Pokemon world,” for example, I hope they do something similar when looking at my work. Through humor, diversity, and fantastical storytelling, my art aims to encourage connection, representation, and a feeling of joy for anyone who engages with it.

Explain how the examples of your work included in the post might fulfill this mission(s).

In this short comic strip I titled "Robo Mani" I created characters that live within a futuristic, sci-fi world where humans seemingly get along with their robot friends. In this situation, the human girl wants her robo-gal friend to experience one of life's many luxuries: getting your nails done.

In this cover art of another short comic strip, it is set in a fictional world where mythical beings, like sirens, coexist with humans. In this scene, a young girl is reading alone in a forest when a mysterious fog rolls in. From the fog emerges a siren, holding a book of her own, creating an unexpected connection between the two.

For this artwork, I was tasked to make one scene appear sequential according to a chosen object, so I had picked a corkscrew. I enjoyed this project because it provided a chance for me to provide a brief narrative, even if it was something as simple as opening a wine bottle (which I still can't do correctly).

In this artwork-- though still a work in progress-- I wanted to create a piece in honor of Pride Month. It captures a loving, happy moment between a couple celebrating their LGBTQ+ pride, with their color palettes reflecting their respective sexualities. I intentionally depicted them as Latina women, aiming to contribute more queer representation within my own community and culture.

In this sketch, I’ve illustrated a trio of powerful women-- my original characters-- holding a dynamic, anime-inspired battle pose. Their stances are designed to reflect their personalities and individual stories, while fantastical elements like magic and long sharp claws emphasize their otherworldly nature. Through these details, I aimed to establish that they belong not to our world, but to one that is wonderfully mythical and superhuman.