Welcome to my first blog post of 2021! I think we could all do with a little positivity as we start the year and what better way to feel motivated and inspired than chatting to an incredible digital artist about his latest collection and the inspiration behind it? So, who is DesignGeo and who does his creations appeal to? Let’s find out.
Did you always aspire to be an illustrator and digital artist?
Hopefully, but not really. I have always liked art and the creative process, and it was that inner impulse and different experiences that led me to develop a particular interest in digital illustration.
So little by little I began to make different illustrations and I was uploading one per day practically on my social media profiles. As time went by, I began to gain notoriety in the digital field, and in that way, I decided to dedicate myself to 100% digital illustration.
What is the inspiration behind your latest collection?
Most of my creations revolve around the concepts of luxury and lifestyle. Recently I have been focusing more strongly on the animal kingdom, so you can see that in several of the latest creations animals are the center of the scene.
I try not to pigeonhole myself in collections, but rather to diversify my designs into ideas, thoughts, things that I see or want to do.
The fun thing about my job is that I don’t take it as something structured but rather dynamic, so one day I can launch an animal design and the next day another that has absolutely nothing to do with it.
How would you describe your signature style?
Great question, there are several people who are intrigued by the style. My creations are usually either from geometric figures, whose technique is known as “low poly” or they can be surreal compositions.
The inspiration for both styles come on the one hand from Cubism and Pop Art and on the other from Surrealism.
I hope in the near future to continue exploring new paths and taking my work to new styles.
If you had one tip for aspiring artists what would it be?
The “tip” or recommendation not only for artists but for anyone is to do what they really love. All the possibilities that I had over the years were given by themselves as a result of work and passion. I never set goals and life was surprising me with collaborations with big brands, development of special pieces for celebrities or private collectors. I also had the opportunity to meet wonderful people, learn more about them, other cultures, other ideas, and grow not only professionally but also personally.
All of this happened because one day I decided to open an Instagram profile to share my work and I didn’t stop doing it because that’s what I love.
In short, if you do what you love and dedicate a little every day to it, as time goes by, you will notice the progress and the opportunities will appear by themselves.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
There are no typical days because the dynamism of my work makes each day different, and I like that. I start the day around 8am and go for a run or train for an hour. After that I have breakfast and I start looking for references in books or the internet and little by little I project the afternoon in which I usually start to outline on paper what the next design will be. I gather the resources and after dinner I sit down at the computer and start working on the design programs. I tend to be more productive at night because I enjoy going through my creative process while listening to music late into the night.
What can you tell us about your workspace?
I don’t have a specific workspace. I like to change but I usually work in the living room of my house, where I have a large table on which I can have everything I need: paper, pencil, external memory, my computer and cell phone and a good cup of coffee.
What piece are you most proud of?
The reality is that I do not have a specific one, but thinking one to answer the question I would say that the first of all. Because it was the first of many and with which I started all this long journey.
Over the years I have some that I like more than others but I would also like to highlight the portrait I made of the soccer star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, because it was an extraordinary opportunity and it was something that not even in the most perfect dream could. come to imagine that he would have a possibility like that.
Who inspires you?
I find inspiration in many people. If I have to focus on the art world, I could say that Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí mainly.
Currently, I find inspiration in the German designer Philipp Plein, who although he is a fashion designer, I like to follow his process of branding, product development and lifestyle building.
The most interesting thing about finding references in other areas beyond what we dedicate ourselves to, is that we can always learn from others, from their experiences, successes and mistakes!
What setbacks have you overcome during your career?
The truth is that many, and since I don’t want to bore or remember them, I prefer not to mention them. But I also have to say that setbacks are fundamental because they are tests that we have to go through in order to fulfill our dreams.
There is a phrase that says “The difference between winning and losing is almost always, not giving up.” I think that is the best I can share based on my experience because many times I wanted to abandon everything, that I had no inspiration, that I felt tired or listless, but the inner strength and the passion and love for what I do, they were the engines that led me not to give up and that is how I will continue in the future!
When you are not creating art what do you love to do?
What a good question. I spend pretty much every day thinking about or creating new pieces, but when I decide to take a break from work there are two things I love to do. One of them is practicing some kind of sport, it doesn’t matter which one or going for a run. It helps a lot to clear the mind and to return to work more relaxed.
And the other one that I love is sitting outside to read a book, usually about business or entrepreneurship. I like to always stay informed and learn new things beyond the artistic world.
What’s the next step for Design Geo?
The goal for 2021 is to continue improving myself, delving into the world of 3D design and relaunching my clothing brand. The pandemic forced me to stop everything and little by little I am working to be able to return with a proposal that surpasses the one that I had been carrying out until the beginning of 2020.
I love everything that has to do with creation and fashion in particular I love it so I decided to go back to the ring but with a version 2.0.
There are various things but I love what I do and I don’t take it as a job, so I really enjoy the process of going from nothing to something!
You can see all of DesignGeo’s creations here. Follow his day to day creation process over on Instagram.
Great interview , love the do what you love Tip !