Iratxe López de Munáin

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Dinner with Dalí puzzle design for Thames & Hudson

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Matisse-themed puzzle for Thames & Hudson

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Strong pictures from Barcelona

Colourful, energetic, optimistic – Iratxe’s images have a touch of naïve fun about them.

Iratxe has a bachelor’s degree in fine art and illustration from UB, Barcelona. The first step in her process is to read the text that needs illustration. Then Iratxe starts drawing in her sketchbook. “I like to create characters and find the right colours for each project,” she says. “For the final illustrations I use gouache and coloured pencils although sometimes I also use digital media, depending on the project.” She enjoys drawing urban scenes and contemporary characters.

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Interview

What led you to become an illustrator?I always loved drawing and reading so I found illustration perfect for me!Did you study illustration at college?Yes, I studied fine arts and illustration at the Barcelona University (UB). Where did you grow up?I grew up in Pamplona, a small town in the north of Spain, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.Do you have a childhood memory relating to drawing/art that you hold dear?Yes, my mother painted and I loved to see her, I wanted to do the same thing. I often asked her to draw animals for me.Where do you live now and what drew you there?I live in Barcelona, I moved here ten years ago to study Fine Arts and Illustration and I fell in love with a Catalan boy, so love kept me in this city.Describe your studio for us.My studio is a bright small room at home. It's full of books, notebooks and paintings. I like to be surrounded by objects that inspire me.Describe the view from your window.I can see the city and the sea from my window. My house is placed on the top of the city so I can enjoy the amazing view.Who or What is your biggest inspiration?Cinema and people in the streets.How do you get your ideas?By drawing without thinking, looking for some art books, sometimes folk paintings, going for a walk.Do you collect anything?No, but I can't stop buying colour pencils, I love them!What are your interests outside of illustration?I love travelling, I've been in lots of places in Europe, South America, North America, Asia. I also love cooking and learning new recipes.What is the first record you bought?I think it was Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill. I remember me dancing in my room with that record!Tell us about a favourite project you’ve recently completed.I've recently finished a picturebook for a Spanish publishing house (Kireei) and I'm very proud of the result.What would be your dream job/commission?I love to work for lifestyle magazines, posters, books and covers. I really enjoy everything related to fashion, people and urban scenes. My ideal work includes lot of color, characters and good energy! Why is illustration such a powerful medium?Images can answer questions that words can't reach.How do you envisage illustration evolving?I think it is a good time for illustration; it's increasingly being appreciated in very different areas. Society is recognizing the work of the illustrator and the power of communication that illustration owns.Who are your art heroes?Margaret Kilgallen & Henri Rousseau.What's the best advice you've ever been given?Persevering people achieve their goals.If money were no object, would you continue to illustrate?Yes! Illustration is my passion. I really enjoy doing what I do, it's not an ordinary job, it's a way of life. If you could travel back in time, who would be the one person you would want to meet and why?Frida Kahlo, I have always been attracted to her work and her life. I think it would have been fascinating to meet her.

Favourites

Residence: Barcelona, Spain Café: McNally Jackson Books & Café, New York Gallery: Cromo Gallery, Barcelona Art Equipment/Tool : Prismacolor colored pencils Food : Dumplings of Ta-Tung restaurant, Barcelona Drink: Carrot & orange juice Podcast: Invisibilia Holiday/Travel Destination: Cambodia