Featured Artist - Eduardo Bertone - Anna Goodson Illustration Agency

Featured Artist – Eduardo Bertone

Artwork by Eduardo Bertone

How and when did you know that you wanted to become an illustrator?
I’ve worked as an art director for advertising and a graphic designer for more than 10 years. But over the last six years I’ve taken part in a lot of independent art projects where illustration was involved. And finally, a couple of years ago Anna Goodson Management contacted me to join them. I was so excited, it gave me courage to mainly express myself through illustration.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I find inspiration everywhere: maybe a stupid situation in the street; a child’s scribble; graffiti on the door of a toilet; perhaps in a song, a movie or a book. If you’re an artist it’s important to be constantly aware of what’s happening around you.

What is your earliest memory of creating art? (or drawing as a child)
I’ve always liked drawing, since I was a child I wanted to work in the graphic area. But I started being interested seriously in art about six years ago. At that moment I discovered that art was not only a matter of classical painters. Designers, illustrators, and even people not connected with the visual world were doing great pieces of art, then I started working in this way, my own way.

As a working illustrator, do you still find time to create art for yourself?
Definitely. What I do professionally influences my artistic work and vice versa. I love painting and I always try to make some time to do it and also get involved in art projects like mural painting, video art or anything that makes me feel good.

What type of transition needs to be made between creating art for yourself and creating art that is commissioned?
The art I create for commissioned projects should be as personal, implicated and committed as the art I make for myself. Commercial work has also to represent myself, it must have part of me, and it´s important to enjoy creating it. Otherwise it could be like any other job. On the other hand non-commissioned art has to be serious and committed.

When you are creating commissioned work, how do you take yourself out of the project and focus on the idea that needs to be conveyed?
Sometimes I work in a completely spontaneous way, and sometimes I´ve got a really clear idea of what I want to say, so I work in a rational way. Once I have received a brief, depending of the project, I take one of those routes. I also a mix the two, which creates a weird atmosphere.

What is your favorite way to get out of a creative block?
“Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working” Pablo Picasso.