When did you know you wanted to be an illustrator?
During my teenage years I juggled with the possibility of drawing or painting for a living, but when I finished my secondary education I decided to study fashion design instead. The degree was a real letdown, but it helped me realise that what fascinated me most was everything related to drawing. I then decided to study illustration.
Where do you get your inspiration?
From everything I see, watch or listen to. Everything is important and inspires us, even if we don’t realise it.
What materials do you prefer to work with? Do you have a favourite pen or paper?
I always use paper and pencil to sketch the first ideas, then I start filling in with colour pencils. I scan the result and start to work digitally. I am really in love with a mechanical pencil right now; I call him Hattori Hanzō after the character in Tarantino’s film Kill Bill.
Where do you live? What attracted you to that city? Do you think it has influenced your style of illustration?
I live in Barcelona, where I was born. I don’t want to leave my city, at least for the moment. And, of course, I have to admit that Barcelona has influenced my style of illustration; all my childhood was during the big urban transformation due to the Olympic Games. Architecture, design ... everything was full of energy and colour.
You illustrated the cover for SHOP magazine Belgium for autumn/winter 2013. Do you have any great memories of visiting there?
I visited Belgium while I was studying fashion design. I spent of the time in Antwerp and Brussels. It was fantastic, and I’ll definitely go back.
How did you start designing the cover for SHOP Belgium? Can you describe how you arrived at the final illustration?
As I said before, I studied fashion design, so I understand the topic I had to illustrate very well. I had in mind a man who trusts his designer and stays quiet while many hands work on him to achieve a great result that both he and the designer will adore.
Did it turn out the way you expected? Was there anything challenging about it? What was the best part?
The most exciting aspects of this kind of illustration are the composition and the colours, which were so clear in my mind. I love the sobriety and elegance of the result.
What should SHOP readers not miss when they visit your home town?
My recommendation is that they come down to the old town and get lost in its streets, avoiding the main roads. It is full of small shops with clothing by local designers you won’t find in other cities.
What’s always in your bag?
Moleskine notebook, pencils, books, camera and ... money!
And finally, what would be your dream commission?
I’m not really sure, but I know that I want a New Yorker cover in my portfolio.
