Marcos Montiel, an Argentinian illustrator, shares his unique approach to the creative industry, emphasizing the importance of personal expression and a genuine connection with the audience. His career highlights include working with renowned publications like The Guardian, The Economist, and The Washington Post, as well as creating a jigsaw puzzle for Monoblock, which he considers his most cherished project.
Montiel's style is characterized by retro, warm, and detailed illustrations, often featuring small human gestures that bring a sense of realism to his work. He is passionate about packaging and product design, believing that combining art with objects creates a unique relationship with the audience. This philosophy is evident in his jigsaw puzzle project, which allowed him to engage with children and witness the joy of their interaction with his artwork.
His career spans two distinct creative environments: Buenos Aires and London. Montiel embraces the contrast between local Argentine work, which focuses on custom, identity, and place representation, and international work, which emphasizes concept and editorial thinking. This dual perspective enriches his creative process, enabling him to blend everyday observations with abstract ideas.
In response to the rise of AI-generated imagery, Montiel has adapted his workflow. He now prioritizes pencil sketches on paper, followed by line corrections and color adjustments on an iPad, and only uses Illustrator and Photoshop for formatting and final files. This shift ensures that the human touch remains at the forefront of his work, even in the digital age.
Montiel also emphasizes the importance of treating personal projects with the same dedication as commercial commissions. He believes that genuine and authentic expression is the foundation of a successful creative career. By consistently producing and sharing his best work, he builds his identity piece by piece, just like the intricate details in his illustrations.
In conclusion, Montiel's approach to the creative industry is a testament to the power of personal expression and a genuine connection with the audience. His ability to blend everyday observations with abstract ideas, coupled with his dedication to the human touch, sets him apart in a rapidly changing industry. As he continues to create, his work will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the world of illustration and design.
