Illustrating as a Profession | El Primo Ramón

Originally trained as an architect, Bright Artist El Primo Ramón’s illustration career started from his work in graphic design and architecture, evolving until he was able to become a full-time illustrator. He now works on projects ranging from publishing, editorial, branding and design, with clients including Usborne Publishing, BBC-CBeebies, VCCP London and Pearson.

Here, we caught up with Ramón to discuss his creative career, recent projects and sources of inspiration.

El Primo Ramón

Tell us a bit about some of your recent projects?

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I’ve been working on very diverse projects lately, and that’s thrilling! I’ve done a couple of pieces for an exhibition in a local gallery where I was asked to interpret my hometown’s history; I’ve also produced a set of images for the BBC-CBeebies, a great experience where I illustrated a collection of short tales, and I’ve also been working on packaging for a honey brand in Yemen. A few months ago, I also had the chance to illustrate three Aesop’s fables for Ta-Chien, a Chinese Publisher.

Digi-tales for CBeebies

How do you go about approaching an illustration for a brief?

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I usually do a research before I start sketching. If it’s a brand illustration, I try to understand the product itself, as well as the company; if it’s editorial work, I read the text carefully a couple of times. Sometimes I also take a look at work by other illustrators I like for inspiration. After that first stage, I start sketching based on a bunch of suggestions taken from that research.

Where do you find inspiration for your illustrations?

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Everywhere! We are living in a very dynamic moment for visual arts. Everyday you receive a lot of inputs from social media or advertising, which I believe become something of an ‘unconscious background’ for any illustrator. When I feel I need some extra sources of inspiration, I look here and there: other illustrator’s works, of course, but I also try to watch films, look at photographs or paintings I find touching.

Sketch & final illustration for CBeebies’ Digi-Tale project

What are your favourite themes/subjects to explore in your work?

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I like to move on. I enjoy testing new palettes for almost every project, or even trying new software every now and then. I enjoy that idea of ‘exploring’ in itself! I feel comfortable with the feeling that every project suggests a particular path. That said, obviously, there are some graphical features I keep, otherwise I guess I’d go mad, hahahaha!

Packaging illustration and design

What’s your dream client to work with?

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I don’t think I have just one. I love any kind of project, as long as I feel that my work is valued, and I reckon I have been lucky in this respect. The most important thing is to get good client-illustrator communication and, of course, a fee that all parties find fair. I think that when all are happy, the creative result is better.

Hometown history project

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

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The only advice I can give is to never give up if you really want to become a professional illustrator. Working hard every day helps, because the more you try the more solid your personal graphic language becomes. And, of course, once you are in, take it seriously: try to always meet deadlines, be disciplined with your work schedule (even if you work at home), try to understand the client…. This is a profession and I find it very important to be a good professional in a wide sense.

Beer packaging illustration

How has Bright made a difference to your career?

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The agency allowed me to become a full-time professional illustrator. I couldn’t have done it working for a mostly local market. Bright opened up the doors for me to reach a wider audience in an international market, which means much better working conditions and more ambitious projects.

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El Primo Ramón is represented by Helen Biles. To work with El Primo Ramón please get in touch.

You can see more of El Primo Ramón’s work in his portfolio.