It’s time for our latest interview from the world of illustration this morning, this time with Spanish-born creative Barbara Ana Gomez aka Barbarana. Here, we chat more about her inspirations, projects and plans for the future, enjoy!
Can you give our readers a brief introduction of yourself and how you fit into the creative world?
I’m a Spanish illustrator based in London since 2007. I studied Graphic Design in Madrid and then moved here to take an Illustration course at the London College of Communication. Since then, I’ve been freelancing for clients in the UK and around the world.
How would you describe your illustration work and style?
I think my images have a traditional feeling taken from the materials I use (Indian inks and antiqued paper), contrasted with a touch of digital treatment, especially on the colours. They once were described as “hints of old tattoo designs, mixed with Roald Dahl illustrations and a whole lot of magic!”, I quite liked that.
Take us through your project Illustrated Songs.
It started as my Final Project for Uni, when I made this long illustrated scroll depicting the lyrics of Space Oddity. I picked the project up again about 3 years ago and started making drawings inspired by the songs that I love. It’s a slow project, since I don’t have enough time to update it as often as I would like to, but it’s still very special to me and I can tell that it will continue growing for a long time.
When did you discover your creative side? Did your education play a large role?
I always enjoyed drawing, my school books were filled with doodles and song lyrics. In my teenage years I was very much into photography as well, so I guess I’ve always been interested in creative activities. But since I didn’t have a formal education, I lacked the technique and skill of using the materials. I didn’t take my illustration seriously until I took the course, and I still have lots to learn to be honest.
Now based in London, how would you describe the city’s creative scene/buzz in comparison to Madrid’s?
London is amazing. There’s something happening all the time and I love that. Right now, I’m looking forward to Pick Me Up Festival at Somerset House, I always enjoy it a lot and find it very inspiring. The competition here is incredible though. There are so many great artists that it can be a bit overwhelming sometimes. You need to be focused to keep yourself motivated.
Madrid’s scene is not that crazy but there are many cool projects going on. It’s interesting to see how the current financial and social situation in Spain has motivated the birth of new creative initiatives, like Voces con Futura. It’s a collection of free downloadable posters to morally and aesthetically support the Real Democracy movement. Contributions are anonymous, though you can identify the work some top-notch Spanish Illustrators.
How was your time at the University of the arts?
It was wonderful, I loved going there. I started my course as a Graphic Designer looking to develop her illustration skills, and I finished it as a freelance Illustrator looking for commissions. I forgot about Graphic Design and focused on Illustration, that’s how motivating our teacher Karl Foster was. It was really helpful and I made some good friends in there, what else can you ask for?
Who or what has inspired you over the years? Where do you turn for potential ideas?
Music is my main source of inspiration, but also films, people, nature, antique postcards and artworks, and beautiful things in general. I have many illustration books at home, one of my favourites is Art Forms in Nature by Ernst Haeckel.
What aspirations do you have for the future? Any more exciting projects on the horizon?
I plan to expand my Illustrated Songs collection. I actually have several ideas for the next ones already, just have to find some time to make them real. I’m also part of this online webzine, Happy Wednesday which features illustration, design and photography, inspired by a theme. We are very excited preparing our next issue, which will be our 10th number! Also, I’d like to add new items to my online shop, I’m now researching to find new exciting products to illustrate, probably textiles.
Where can our readers find you online? Are you social media fanatic?
I don’t consider myself a social media fanatic, though I find it very useful for sharing your work and engaging with people. Besides my main websites www.barbarana.com and www.illustratedsongs.com, you can find me on Facebook, Twitter and Behance.
Who are your top 3 people to follow on Twitter?
There are many interesting people. To name just three, I quite enjoy @redlemonclub and their tips for creative freelancers, the illustration news by @imundo, and the cool creative projects by @arthouse.
Thanks Barbara! See more on the website at www.barbarana.com and follow on Twitter @barbarana.
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