Ignasi Monreal is a talented illustrator from Catalonia based in Madrid (Spain). The feminine and sensual figures of his drawings wear intense colours to create a captivating universe where surrealism, fantasy and fashion blend together elegantly. In this interview, the young artist introduces us to his mesmerizing work.
How did you get immersed in fashion illustration?
My first contact with illustration was when I was still a baby. I've been drawing all my life, but it wasn't until I was 17 years old that I got my first contact with fashion. I was commissioned a series of comic strips based on the fashion industry and I had to do some research; I started surfing the web and found The Sartorialist and Style.com, and that was it; I was amazed by how many characters could be created using fashion as a reference.
What are your inspiration sources and references?
I would say that mainly Internet, music and films. Every reference I need is on the web, from colour schemes to poses or photos of the clothing.
Do you have any work routine? What is your favourite medium to work with?
I wouldn't say it is a routine, but I work at night most of the times. I work as a graphic designer in a studio during the day so the only time left I've got to work on my illustrations is when I get home. I started using many techniques years ago, but now I do 99% of my artworks in a digital format using Photoshop and a Wacom Tablet. Here you can watch the process.
Which of your works has you enjoyed the most?
The illustration series I did for V Magazine Spain. They gave me complete freedom and plenty of time, and I really see the result of being motivated and excited about the project reflected on the final work. V Magazine Spain was one of my favourite publications, so it was very happy to work with them.
If you had the opportunity, with which artist or designer would you like to collaborate with?
Lots of them! But it really would be a dream come true to work with Hayao Miyazaki.
Is there any future project you are excited about?
I am currently working on a project with a Brazilian brand called Dercanvas which is quite amazing. We'll be doing an exhibition in Sao Paulo very soon!
To discover more of his work, visit his personal page.
