2D Artist

2DARTIST MAGAZINE | ISSUE 129At that time my portfolio mostly consisted ofpersonal projects. After that, I received my firstcommissions, mainly for poetry and literaturepublications. I truly believe that was the key forme to develop my own language and universebeyond the simple graphic representation of text.From then until now, I have worked onillustrations for posters to book covers, and alsoon various commissions for advertising agencies.Recently, I’ve been having the strong feeling thata cycle in my career is about to close. I don’t knowexactly what’s next, but I’m eager to discover it.2da: What or who encouraged you totake up a career as a freelance artist?NS: Apart from some good friends who knew mypassion for drawing, nobody really encouragedme to become an illustrator. In fact, it was quitethe contrary. From an early age I knew deeply thatI wanted to get involved in something that wouldallow me to communicate with the world, maybebecause I was insanely shy. It took me a few yearsto find out what kind of language would matchmy personality. At the age of twelve I took my firstdrawing class and I realized, without any doubt,that drawing was going to be my language for life.2da: Your work has a really strong senseof narrative but always seems to retainan imaginative, abstract style. How doyou go about formulating your ideas?``````NS: I usually face every artwork as if it is a puzzlecomposed by, paradoxically, two pieces: whatI want to tell (the idea) and the way I want totell it. For me, the idea is the cornerstone, andwhat’s more, I always seek that extra pieceof information that turns any illustration intosomething narrative. I don’t want just a “logo,”but I take care the final image isn’t redundant orexcessive in terms of the information it provides.``````The other piece of the puzzle, the way Iwant to tell that idea, is a more complexprocess in which my experiences, myintuition and my own thoughts play a keyrole. The method should also fit within thespecific requirements of the commission.``````2da: Where do you turn for inspiration? Arethere any artists you like to reference?``````NS: Nature and its intelligence are a huge sourceof inspiration for me, as well as people’s innerlife. I encounter inspiration very randomly,``````sometimes just going out for a long walk.That’s why I usually mix them in my worktrying to create a connection, or a stronginteraction, that plays to a deeper level.``````As years go by, I realize what an eclecticperson I am. I deeply admire many artistsfrom many disciplines, from illustration tocinema, through literature or music. I alsotend to be driven by specific works of artrather than the artists they were created by.``````2da: What advice can you give to our readerswho want to develop their illustrationtechniques in a similar manner?``````NS: Do not ever draw just to boast of having agood technique. Even more, do not ever set anywork aside because of the technique. There arethousands of technically excellent artists aroundthe world and be sure that as an illustratoryou will spend your whole life improving yourmanual skills, so please don’t worry about that.``````You are better off developing your veryown universe, your own unique way ofcontemplating life and telling stories, withoutfear or restrictions. Create just because you``````Magic mountain illustration for Sugartremens magazine