Heavily bearded and bald, Alborozo has been an illustrator since the age of 15. In the intervening years he's done a lot of drawing, created cartoons for Punch and Private Eye. Today he's still drawing, but a little fatter.
What are you working on?
I'm working on several children’s books – two author illustrator titles for Bloomsbury and Childsplay, and I'm gearing up for several commissions as Illustrator. I constantly draw away on this and that.
Do you keep your style consistent or is it something that is always developing?
My style is forever changing. Slowly, there are always a similar feel running through it all, but it develops depending on the medium of the moment and what I fancy drawing. If something particularly gels for me in terms of style then it tends to stay in. At least for a while.
Where do you take inspiration from, beyond the work of other artists and illustrators?
I try hard not to look very hard at other artists as I’m a bit of a sponge and there is a real danger of channelling their styles a bit too much. Generally my inspiration comes from just pottering about and gazing at the world.
Apart from illustration what do you do?
Not a lot.
Is where you live an influence on your work?
It's not. I currently live in the depths of anonymous South London. Its not really a great fund for inspiration for me. It may well be for others though. Maybe.
What is your ideal working environment?
Just peace and quiet… a few pot plants on the desk and the headphones on (very possibly listening to the Empire Strikes back playing in the background). Tune out the world. Other than that i’m pretty happy whatever.
What does 2014 hold for you?
2014…is probably going to be a constant series of childens book illustration. Lots of very exciting new projects on the calander , and also a lot of work for private sale and exhibition. I will also be attempting a huge frontal assault on the offices of the New Yorker.
What do you think is the future of illustration?
The future of illustration is bright. Definitely. However much I moan about it, the sheer number of books available at any one time from the shelves show its proves it's fighting fit as an industry.
For me, the most important aspect for the future is that as an industry its always ready to push the edges of what can be done.
New and unusual styles of work, and styles of storytelling are what will keep it fresh and alive forever.
As long as there are kids, there will be illustration, cartooning and exciting adventures to be had.
Take a look at Gabriel's profile and artwork available on illustrato.rs or visit his website.
