NATURE WALKING WITH VERO ESCALANTE
We first discovered the work of WNW Member #8510 Vero Escalante through her contributions to a Buenos Aires-based animation studio, and soon after stumbled upon Vero's refreshing personal portfolio. Every project the Argentinian illustrator puts her hands to is rooted in her predilection for honoring nature. "Imagining cities from an unknown future, filled with crazy greenery. All of this gives me the opportunity to speak up about a more eco-friendly and natural world." We spoke to Vero about her work, her plant-filled apartment, and her pet rabbit Nilo.
Tell us about your background: Who is Vero Escalante and how did she get here?
I'm a girl who grew up in the north of Argentina, surrounded by mountains and rivers. I came to Buenos Aires to study fashion design and without realizing it, I ended up working as an illustrator for an agency, and I loved it. It's been 10 years since that and I've also worked as an art director for other agencies and projects. Right now I work freelance.
How would you describe your creative style? How long did it take you to discover your own illustrative voice?
My style could be defined as vibrant, fresh and experimental. It's in constant reshaping and movement. I start with the color palette and the climate I want to achieve. The more selective and honest with my own self and universe I am, the more I get to show such style.
The creative world you create draws heavily from the botanical world. What about the natural world inspires you?
I find inspiration in the diversity of colors and shapes nature has. It influences my surreal imaginary world. It's like imagining cities from an unknown future, filled with crazy greenery. All of this gives me the opportunity to speak up about a more eco-friendly and natural world.
Do you spend a lot of time in nature, gardening/hiking etc?
I don't spend as much time outside as I used to when I was a child, but my apartment in Buenos Aires is full of plants everywhere.
How does Buenos Aires inspire you? How would you describe the creative scene?
Buenos Aires is so inspiring! During the day I work at a co-working office in Parlermo (very vibrant and hip neighborhood) called "club de amigos Costa Rica", with other artists and designers I admire.
You illustrate a lot of rabbits. Do you have a pet rabbit? Are rabbits a source of inspiration or an involved collaborator?
I love rabbits! I have a pet rabbit named Nilo. He's been with me for 6 years. He is my companion and inspiration. As a matter of fact, he's been the main character in a lot of my illustrations.
What do you do when you’re not working?
When not working, I'm surely drawing (which is pretty much like working haha); I hang out with Nilo; I also like reading and writing poems. Or just go out with some friends, there are always cool places to visit.
Vero Discusses 5 Different Projects
Botanical Mac
Art direction for an app to help you maintain and care for house plants.
What were you inspired by in creating this piece?
My inspiration was surreal dreams.
Hardest part of creating this piece?
The most difficult part of it was to make the arrangements on the monitor.
Pineapple Island
An illustration for my first solo art show.
What were you inspired by in creating this piece?
I got the inspiration from Jules Verne's stories. I wanted to portray the fantastic worlds.
Paint temptation
Art direction for a project that shows a women's different facets in a colorful and abstract way.
Hardest part of creating this piece?
The challenge was to make an analog and experimental work.
Kitchen
This was a personal project, where I wanted to show very easy-going, everyday moments. I didn't really find a hard part of doing it. I just really enjoyed it.
Voodoo Toy
Art direction for an animated clip
What were you inspired by in creating this piece?
Excess was an inspiration, and a casino from back-in-the-day kind of aesthetic.
Hardest part of creating this piece?
The challenge here was the limited time we had to make this happen.
BONUS ROUND!
Proudest career moment:
Having my own solo art show.
Biggest career failure:
Not working in another country (yet!)
Last three things you Googled:
1. Orchids
2. Bunny training tips
3. Vegan banana bread
Most significant creative influence or inspiration (or creative hero):
I love and feel a huge influence from Matisse's work, and truly admire floral artist Azuma Makoto.
Current song on repeat:
Favorite quote:
"Look as far as you can, there is unlimited space there. As many hours as you want. There is unlimited time before and after." - Walt Whitman.
Advice you’d give your high school self:
Choose a career where you can express your passion, even if that scares you. Because it is what you love to do, what you are passionate about. Don't stress out, it'll work out.
Two truths and a lie:
1. I'm illustrating for a non-profit that helps shelter and stray dogs and cats (and I love it!)
2. I'd like to get back to my fashion designer career (I hope I can do it soon)
3. I spend the summers training rabbits. (not true, but would be so cool if it was true!)
WNW members whose work you admire and why:
WNW Member #5419 Jean Jullien - I really like the simpleness and how cool he's drawings are.
WNW Member #8492 Juan Casal - Because he works with me at "Club de Amigos Costa Rica", we are friends and I love his work.
WNW Member #2846 Leta Sobierajski - It's so fresh and experimental, I just love it.