Leandro Castelao talks to us about his process and gives us some interesting insights on how the act of making in itself is an important stage in generating ideas. We take a look at his slick digital designs as he discusses this and more.
It’s easy to see how Leandro’s initial pencil-to-paper techniques influence his final illustrations. While they are super clean digital designs, they maintain the flow and movement of an image that has had it’s curves and corners discovered by hand.
Leandro describes how important both the preparatory drafting stages and work he does at his computer screen are in developing his work, as well as satisfying artistic needs.
I’m a Brooklyn-based Argentinean artist. I have a degree in Graphic Design but I mostly work as an Illustrator. I constantly switch from editorial to advertisement and personal projects. That helps me enjoy the three of them.
My final pieces are mostly 100% digital but I hardly open Photoshop. I like the idea of not ‘tricking’ people with texture and Photoshop paraphernalia so I keep everything in Adobe Illustrator which is kind of my best friend (including love/hate issues).
On the other hand, my process before entering the digital dimension is totally the opposite. I like sketching with pencils, rulers and templates.
I’m constantly thinking about new materials to use and learn. I feel finding ideas is not only a rational process but also has something to do with the act of making.
I’m very shy showing that side of my work as I feel it is too personal and most of the things are undone or they look awful but they’re so important to me.
Occasionally, clients ask for pencil sketches— then I try to make something that has a stronger connection with the final piece I’ll produce.
© Leandro Castelao, 2015
