Tshirt Factory Illustrator: Magda Vizireanu
It’s time for you to meet a young, talented Romanian illustrator that I’ve been following for a few months now. I didn’t plan on it, it just happened because there was something I noticed with each new drawing: the evolution of an artist, that grew with each new design. And when I saw her last illustration I knew I was witnessing a breakthrough in her development as an artist and decided to talk to her about her process, her passion, her unquenchable desire to constantly learn from everything that surrounds her.
Watching an artist grow through her works
At the end of the interview my suppositions were confirmed: with every work she experiments, trying to find new features, developing her perspective, offering her version of the world as close as possible to what she envisions in her mind. In particular, I loved the fact that she candidly stated she hasn’t yet established a style. Her awareness of a long road ahead her is proof of maturity that few young illustrators display. Reading her answers you will recognize a budding illustrator, unafraid to tackle the world of graphic design, regardless of the promised obstacles ahead of her.
Her name is Magda Vizireanu and she is an active illustrator on Tshirt Factory. Here’s the chat I had with her that I hope you will enjoy:
Oana: Please tell us more about your art and design background. How did you become a graphic designer?
Magda: I started drawing the moment I was able to hold a pencil in my hands. My parents told me that I always chose this tool. I drawn by vivid colors since I was a child and I enjoyed re-enacting anything I thought was beautiful. After primary school, I went to high school with a major in arts because I strongly wanted to know as many people as possible, who had these artistic interests. Therefore, I stepped inside this circle that thought me so much and opened a brand new horizon, with the help of my teachers and colleagues. I tried to borrow a little bit from each of them.
After high school, with a major in graphics, I pursued painting and chose the college accordingly, where I met wonderful people, yet again. But graphics, specifically digital graphics, remained at the top of my list. With the help of the internet I discovered artist that used their computer and tablet to create amazing works, which incited my curiosity. In my second year in college I bought my first tablet and chased this opportunity
Oana: How or when did you start illustrating on a professional level?
Magda: After buying my tablet, I researched design, illustration and animation more and more. After a year I realized the many interesting things I could do, and also the chance to turn it into something lucrative. In short, I got a job in the field in my city and committed myself to constantly learn.
Oana: Where does your inspiration come from?
Magda: I got this question many times and I always give the same answer: from everywhere. People inspire me, nature, everything that surrounds us, even a simple tree seems beautiful and interesting to me. Inspiration hits and I scramble for paper, pencils to reproduce it and then add something extra that makes me dream.
Oana: How would you describe your style?
Magda: Basically, my style is like a chameleon. I’m currently trying to focus on something in particular and define it. I can say I haven’t got a well-shaped style yet. I like to go into many directions: fantasy, abstract, urban, characters – I try to combine all of them.
Oana: What tools you use? Do you go 100% digital or do you also use paper?
Magda: I often sketch something on paper and then scan it. Then I add it in Photoshop or Illustrator and play with it until I get a complex result, something that can be used further. I usually combine images and ideas or sketch them directly in the softwares. I use a Cintiq from Wacom to create my works.
Oana: Is there anything that you specifically avoid using in your illustrations?
Magda: Not necessarily. I choose my themes and go from there. I don’t have a particular element that I repeatedly use.
Oana: What was the hardest job/illustration you have ever worked on?
Magda: I think that the dedication and time I assigned to a bundle product for the textile industry was the most consuming product I have ever put out.
Oana: Can you name some of your favorite designs and why?(personal or from other designers)
Magda: From my own portfolio I have a few designs that I deeply cherish, which required more time and hold a special place for me: Pumpkins queen, Dead beauty, Blow me, Octupus, Alone, Badass girl, Ariel; and my last illustration, Amanita.
Oana: Any graphic designers you admire?
Magda: The artists that inspired me along the way are: Loish, Aaron Blaise, Miss Led and many others I can’t recall right now.
Oana: Any words of advice for anyone just starting out as an illustrator/graphic designer?
Magda: Never give up on your dreams, even if you’re going through hell, you must believe in what you do and should want to know, learn as many things as possible.
Magda on Behance.
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