Asier Iturralde

Gastón

Illustrator

©Gaston Studio

Sketches that come to life

Asier creates illustrations using both paper and digital tools
He is influenced by artists such as Jacques Tardi, Sempé, Chris Ware, and Dupuy and Berberian
Humour and sincerity are key in expressing his emotions through his pieces

Asier Iturralde Gaston knew he wanted to be an illustrator since he was a child. Although he never had a formal apprentice-master relationship, Asier worked in a design studio before establishing himself as an artisan. Today, Asier creates stories set in simple environments, inspired by local authenticities that can be reflected in universal contexts. His process begins with a traditional pencil and paper sketch, then he brings his ideas to life with colour on his digital tablet. “I am surrounded by ideas and inspiration. It is easy to think of what I want to create – the difficulty lies in translating my wild imagination to paper,” Asier says. His influences from the world of comics have had a strong impact on him, one of the most significant being Sempé's work. “I was fascinated by the sheer amount of emotion conveyed through his drawings,” Asier says.

Interview

©Gaston Studio

©Gaston Studio

Why did you choose illustration?: I cannot remember a time in my life when I did not want to be a comic book artist. I have been drawing comics ever since I can remember, and I have not stopped to this day. I have shaped my entire life around becoming a comic artist.
Do you combine local and universal elements in your works?: I am interested in portraying everyday life, which is why I observe everything local around me. However, I try to ensure that what I convey is universal. I am very interested in our behaviour as human beings, and our disconnect between what we are and what we try to project.
What is your usual working method?: I first sketch in pencil, then I move on to drawing digitally when I am happy with the result. I use a Wacom tablet and Photoshop. In this digital environment, I work just as one would traditionally on paper – first with pencil drawing, then colour and ink.
How would you describe your creative process?: My process gives me great freedom – the mind has no limits. Everything is inspiring and full of promise until it is time to materialise the idea on paper. Most imagined elements are very difficult to bring to life, which makes the process painful at times. So, when I find a way to make my imagination a reality, it brings me immense satisfaction.

Asier Iturralde is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1996