Sergio Membrillas
The Valencian illustrator tells us about his illustration process, contributing to Beck's Song Reader, and working with the sun.
Original art for Beck's Song Reader, McSweeney's
Sergio Membrillas doesn't seem very concerned with current trends in the world of illustration. Instead of the clean, graphic design-inspired figures that seem to populate most magazines and newspapers, Membrillas' work in music packaging, gig posters and magazine illustration features a mysterious grainy texture and a soft-lined aesthetic that suggests he's beamed in from the early 20th Century. Recently Membrillas, who has worked on gig posters for the likes of Dan Deacon, Dent May, and U.S. Girls, contributed an illustration and the cover to Beck's Song Reader sheet music collection from McSweeney's.
You split your time between Valencia, Spain and Berlin. Do you think there is more creative work in Berlin right now?
Basically, I think there is a good environment for creatives, so there are a lot of creative people with a similar spirit.
Can you tell me a little bit about your illustration in Beck's Song Reader?
It was amazing. The super nice people from McSweeney’s emailed me and asked for an illustration, and I was really happy to do it. I love the project, it’s revolutionary.
It really came out great. I saw you also design album covers, what’s your process like for that kind of project?
First I do some sketches listening to the album and later I go into the finals always listening to the songs.
How many times do you think you listen to an album while designing the cover?
I don’t know. Constantly.
How about editorial illustrations?
I read the article and process the text while I’m walking or having coffee. Then I sketch the first rough drafts. After the client’s approval, I go into the final versions. That’s the fun part, I enjoy it.
Do you do most of your work in the morning?
Yes. I’m an early bird. I prefer working with the sun, it makes me happy.
It must be great to live in a sunny place then.
Yes, it’s great. But I’m so used to it, that’s why I go to Berlin, searching for the cold and the snow.
I noticed your work has a distinct texture. Is that a big part of your illustrations?
Yes, but not the main part.
What is?
Composition, color, and shapes. Figures.
Do you work on a computer?
Yes. I spend a lot of time here in front of my beloved friend the computer.
What are you working on today?
I am doing a spot illustration for a Sunday magazine.
See more of Sergio's work at sergiomembrillas.com
