You are from Spain but you have
illustrated a number of Maltese books. Did you encounter any difficulties
related to cultural differences?
Not really. I think people are essentially the
same the world over, despite the differences in culture, skin colour, religion. We breathe the same air and we all want the best for ourselves.
How important is it nowadays for artists
to network? Was it always so?
Networking is what really distinguishes contemporary
artists from their predecessors. We are now capable of sharing our art with a
lot more people and attract more customers.
You have a very particular style that is
immediately recognisable. How difficult is it to find your own style?
I am very glad you asked me this question. Truth
is I didn’t realise that I had a distinctive style until others made me aware
of it. In the beginning I tried to keep my work as simple as possible, wanting
to express myself mostly through the use of line and colour. I love doing this.
Actually, my father had encouraged me to use colours a lot but at first I was
afraid to do so.
What are the most important things to keep
in mind when illustrating a book?
Writers usually know exactly what they want or
need. They would have a clear idea of scenes, characters, clothes, etc. When
it’s not the case, we the illustrators try to extrapolate this information from
the text. We try to figure out what the author had in mind.
Who are some of your favourite book
illustrators?
Writers are said to have an ideal reader
in mind when they’re writing. Do you have an ‘ideal viewer’?
To tell you the truth, no. Maybe it’s because when
I’m drawing I try communicating with my inner child, something which I believe
a lot of us do.
Do you have any hobbies you’d like to
share with us?
I love running, cooking, travelling, nature. I
also love spending time with my brothers and friends, having some great wine
and tapas from Granada.
What book, film or song would you
recommend to us? (Yours don’t count!) Why did you choose this?
I like Arrival a lot. The way that the
aliens’ concept of time is portrayed, and how this effects human beings, is
very interesting. It made me realise that sometimes the way we look at things
is, well, pretty stupid. I also love Treasure Island because the book is
full of great characters and wonderful adventures. Currently, my favourite song
is ‘Everything I wanted’ by Billie Eilish.
To finish off: What is the nicest thing
anyone has ever said to you?
‘When I look at your drawings, I feel as though
I’m travelling without leaving my seat.’
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Josè Luis Ocaña is a freelance illustrator. You can contact him on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE.
If you want to read books illustrated by Josè you can buy them from the links below:
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