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Fun graphic prints by Matías Larraín

Matías Larraín grew up at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Argentina, where he developed his skills as a graphic designer. In 2018, Matías made the life-changing decision to move to France to pursue his career as an illustrator. To get to know our new collaborator a little more, we asked Matías a few questions about himself, his art and his creative process.

Hello Matías! Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Matías Larraín. I was born in Mendoza, a city in Argentina located in the foothills of the Andes. There I studied visual communication design. Then in 2018, I moved to France, where I currently live and where I started my career as an illustrator.

Where do you find inspiration?

I seek inspiration from everything. It can be a film, a song, or a bike ride. But my greatest source of inspiration is nature, where I find the peace and quiet to let my creativity flow.

What type of tools do you use to create your art?

I tend to mix manual and digital techniques. But generally, I use digital more – design programmes such as Procreate, Illustrator and Photoshop.

Does your art represent something about you?

Perhaps my most naïve side.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

There are many designers and artists who influence me. Among the best known are Saul Bass, Monet, Matisse, and Picasso.

Where would you like to see your art?

In books, products, and decorative elements.

Describe your ideal working environment. When is your favourite time of day to create?

My ideal environment is a quiet, natural and warm place. I tend to be most active in the evening.

Which art trends inspire your current work?

I am inspired by minimalism, fauvism and children's illustration.

How do you develop your art skills?

Since I was a child, I have liked to draw. Then I studied graphic design and advertising, which gave me a broader and more technical knowledge of shapes and colours.

Tell us about your techniques for overcoming creative blocks.

In order not to stress myself, I like to think that the blocks are part of the creative process, like a little break that the mind takes to oxygenate and come back with new ideas. Then I concentrate on other activities and try again.

Did you always want to be an artist?

Since before I was born. :)

Do you listen to music while you're creating?

Yes, music accompanies me throughout the creative process.

You now live in the French alps; what do you love most about living there?

Living in the mountains makes me feel I am in a magnificent work of art. In every corner of this place, I find infinite colours, shapes and textures. That is what I love most about living here.