Alejandro Gómez, the hedonist illustrator
“Surf, draw, eat, sleep, repeat…” here are Alejandro’s projects for the upcoming months! Native of Andalousia, Alejandro Gómez grew up in the Canary Islands, lulled by waves beneath the sky. Fed up with big companies, he decided to support creative labels by founding his own illustration studio where he is creating handmade designs.
Hi Alejandro! Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background?
Hello! First thanks for the interview! Something that speaks a lot about me is the connection with the ocean, it always have lived surrounded by sea. Was start in all this working in advertising agencies like many, I worked for brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, in the automotive industry in general and brands of beer and cocktails. But multinacional and big companies is not for me and not an office job, so I decided to create my own way, I know that sounds cliche, but cliches work! Having your own hours and be selective in the projects, so they can get more out your own authentic style.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the European Hawaii: The Canary Islands, I bet there are many people who dont know what is my secret spot, I’m Spanish Andalusia, my parents are from Cádiz and Huelva but grew up in the islands, surrounded by the African exoticism, sun, beach, many waves and enjoying the art of doing nothing. This place is very famous because people work to live, not live to work, one of the big keys to happiness. The islands have an incredible climate all year round temperature is regular never cold and not too hot. As creative incubator is perfect, they are all invited to spend a few days at home and go surfing a bit to find inspiration.
How did you discover the world of the illustration?
In anatomy books, always he fascinated me to see the old illustrations, my mother studied medicine, and always my house was surrounded by textbooks with illustrations, anatomy dissections, especially human body. So I decided to study at the art school, i did sculpture, artistic drawing and photography, and of course, graphic design, but recognize that i hate vectors!
You have an old school style. How did you get your touch?
Obviously the tattoo, I have my body full of ink, I think this style falls from the first day and never gets old, is the definitive style, has so strength and energy, is timeless and the more mature feel. Obviously there is much tribute to Sailor Jerry but above all Bert Grimm , for me are the two best illustrators who created this world… yiijja!
Speaking of tattoos, your illustrations lend themselves quite up to tattoos. Have you ever considered starting you in this area?
Of course, the problem is time, I need to find the time, that life will soon get this. I can not wait more! 35% of my designs just in the skin, so I feel it is very close.
You founded the project “In The Oitment”. Can you talk a little about it?
In the ointment it was created for the people and brands creative . Tired of the big companies, I decided to create an illustration studio dedicated to photographers, designers, creative textile brands and any project that is in the world and want to go a little ahead, you need to surround yourself with creativity to not stay obsolete, that I call into the ointment. Of course everything is created by handmade with love and simmer, without haste.
Can you describe your work?
I’m working to help textile brands on designs for serigraphs, specialy United States and some in Europe too, I love! I also do corporate image creative, very focused on photographers who are American and Australian fashion, these guys are doing great! I love photography. And much of my time is devoted to a project with a good friend, called www.stunamiandavalache.com is subsidized by illustration and photography and fashion textile products. We are doing weird things with a very peculiar art direction, but I think it’s super cool.
What made you want to work with us for the winter collection?
Well I found Olow in cool hunter mode… even I shared a posting on my facebook, in the end after a couple of years, we are here! very happy and proud, because I think Olow has good taste and is doing well, so building in my personal brand! (laughs)
In which city do you live now? Can you give us some good places where you like to hang out?
I returned to the Canary Islands, 100% recommended, many friends come to visit from afar to disconnect and practice the art of doing nothing. My special place lately is the North Pacific, Tacoma and Portland, going back to the end of the year to make a good trip and surf among giant pines and eagles, low temperature! my heart is from this part of the planet… 100% convinced.
What are your plans for the coming months?
Surf, draw, eat, sleep, repeat…
Thanks you to Alejandro.
Find Alejandro Gómez on Facebook, Instagram and on his official site.
To buy OLOW tees in collaboration with Alexandro Gómez click here: YOUNG WILD Heather burgundy / YOUNG WILD Heather blue / CIAO DARLING Heather black / CIAO DARLING Heather blue
Photos : Alejandro Gómez
– L.K –
