Artist: André Letria
Website: andreletria.pt
Illustrating since 1992, and now also running his own publishing house (Pato Lógico), Portuguese André Letria develops artwork with a spot-on and colourful approach. The motto “keep it simple” shines through, and it makes us want to grab whichever art supplies we find and do some drawings/illustration of our own. We think “This looks great!” and then “I can do it too!” and after that we think again. After all it’s hard to master. But we’re hooked anyway and, what’s most important, having fun!
Who?
André Letria, born in Lisbon 38 years ago.
What?
I’m an illustrator and editor. And a dad.
When?
My working time organization has varied much. Since my son went to school I started to work according to his schedules. Before that I worked at home, whenever it happened, or when I was in the mood or when I had deadlines. Today I have a pretty regular working time, with few exceptions whenever the need to stretch it arises. I start about 9am and finish between 6 and 7pm.
I don’t separate professional from personal work. I try to always keep it personal. Since I’ve started my publishing house (Pato Lógico), I accept less commissions so I can make my own books. And those are getting more and more personal.
Some exceptions take place when I visit schools and libraries, in Portugal and abroad, to speak about my work and develop activities related to the books of my publishing house. Then I get away from the studio and I’m not always able to draw, but I get to see fantastic, very inspiring artwork.
Where?
I live in Lisbon and, nowadays, I work at LX Factory, in a space that is my studio and the publishing house office at the same time. I’m trying to drive less, using the bus instead and enjoying the beautiful sights along Tagus river.
Why?
Because it’s what gives me more pleasure. And because I managed to make it a way of living.
How?
Until two years ago I almost only used acrylic on paper. Since then, that technique has gradually been replaced by digital work. But it’s a very organic one, because it takes drawing on paper as a base and uses loads of textures that result from old-school experiences. Those that get lots of brushes filthy and lots of paper ruined. After that it’s all scanned in and worked on the computer.
Maybe because of this, my method has changed a bit too. I work very closely with the computer, even when I’m sketching the books, which I often do using a Wacom Cintiq, without paper. It allows me to test immediately different compositions. Then I start to miss paper and go back to my sketchbook. Now I also use it on the bus.
Find André here:
Portfolio: andreletria.pt
Facebook: facebook.com/andre.letria