The power of the grayscale
- Fernando is a Venezuelan illustrator living in Italy
- He mixes square lines with hand drawn textures for a tactile feel
- He loves working in black and white, and adding just a splash of colour
With acrylics, pencils and digital tools, Fernando Cobelo has drawn a body of work filled with square lines, few colours and deep meanings. “My work carries a lot of empathy and research, too,” he says. “Being an illustrator means telling other people’s stories, even when they feel a world away from my own experiences. It is a huge responsibility to me, and I do my best to succeed.” Since the beginning of Fernando's creative journey, his illustration has found its way to a wide range of clients, including Netflix, Google and even the United Nations. His work is equally featured in international newspapers and magazines, from the New York Times to the Italian La Repubblica.
Interview
- What led you to illustration?
- I was born in Venezuela, where I studied architecture. Then, I moved to Italy to complete my studies, but I could not find a job as an architect. To channel my frustration, I began to draw, which I have loved to do since childhood. It made me happy, and soon enough, it turned into a full-time practice.
- How do you combine analogue and digital techniques?
- I do a lot of digital drawing, but I am not a fan of overly clean illustrations. I like them to have a touch of imperfection, a tactile feel. This is why I extensively tap into my library of hand drawn textures and play around with them, always obtaining something new.
- How do you work with colour?
- I have always loved black and white, and I usually stick to that when I draw by hand. I started gradually working with colour upon client request. I like working with one or two colours that match with black and white and do not betray my style.
- Do you have a favourite piece?
- My favourite work is 'Sono qui', which translates to 'I am here'. It is a self-published, limited edition book illustrating 11 stories of immigrants living in Italy, exactly as I am. It is a work of gratitude, and a homage to the country that made me the person I am today.
Fernando Cobelo is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2015 and he started teaching in 2018
Where
Fernando Cobelo
