Tuyo wears the Play More T-Shirt (Left) and A Beautiful Melody T-Shirt (Right) at his apartment in Barcelona, Spain.
Ahead of the launch of our jazz-themed, two-piece collaboration with Barcelona based artist, Tuyo, we sat down for a chat about everything from his creative process to his biggest inspirations.
How long have you been doing what you do, and what got you started in this field?
About 5 years ago I had a series of injuries, and while I was recovering from surgery, I bought a graphic design program and started working with it. I had never thought I had the talent to draw or illustrate properly, but on the computer, I just needed an idea and could rework it until I liked it without wasting much material. After some time, I started to transfer this to analog techniques, and that's where we are now.
How would you describe your illustration style? What elements or themes do you often incorporate?
Thematically, my work lives in the world of folklore, myths and fables from different cultures around the globe. Together with the minimalist and simple use of form and color, it creates a connection to our archaic history. I think this makes it relatable and deeply human.
Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you go from an idea to a finished piece?
I am constantly writing down words or thoughts that sound interesting to me, they may be part of a song or a book or I may come across them somewhere in my surroundings. The motifs are similarly a collection of things from my surroundings, although I do enjoy drawing animals. For me, the finished work often feels like a snapshot or a moment from a longer story.
Who or what are your biggest inspirations as an illustrator? Are there any artists, visual or otherwise, that have significantly influenced your work?
I would say that the inspirations are constantly evolving, and the list grows over time, but to name a few I would mention American outsider artists like Bill Traylor and Mary T. Smith as well as Brazilian woodcut artist J. Borges and contemporary artists like David Shrigley.
Of all the illustrations you've created, do you have a favorite piece? What makes it special to you?
It's always the last piece that I like best at that moment.
What can you tell us about the shirt/T-shirt you’ve made with Far Afield?
Kind of crazy to know these are now being sold all-over the world!
How would you describe your personal style/relationship with clothing and fashion?
Playful. :) For me it's another form of artistic expression. I don't think I take fashion or myself that seriously, so I love to explore and find a fit that feels good to me.
What are your top picks for things to do, places to eat, or hidden gems in Barcelona/Berlin? Any recommendations for visitors?
Although there are plenty of opportunities to touch sand in and around Barcelona, this summer I opted for the "Piscina Olympica". It's a public swimming pool on the side of Montjuic Mountain, that dates back to the '92 Olympic Games. The view is one of the best in the city and the place has a kind of nostalgic quality for me.
Are there any upcoming projects you're particularly excited about? What does the future hold?
I'm working on a new set of paintings, nothing really to share yet but it feels exciting!
We took the Tuyo Tees for a test-drive at Capsule; a record and coffee shop in Hove who stock a range of LPs from a variety of genres, including funk, soul, jazz, disco, electronica, house and hip hop. Thank you to the lovely owners, Lawrence and Sarah for allowing us into their amazing store to shoot and sample their coffee. Be sure to give them a follow on Instagram, checkout their website and pop-in to say hello if/when you're next in Hove.
