Gemma Terol: all in red and blue
Vibrant colours and strokes that tell stories.
Gemma Terol had design and creativity inside her since she was very young. She had always drawn and her notes and school work had illustrated letters and lots of colour. But we don't know why, it happened to her as it does to most adults, that they get older and drawing no longer goes with age. Luckily, over time he rediscovered illustration and after training in design and art, he began to combine his work in graphic design in his studio MMMM studio with his illustration project Red&Blue.
When I decided to study graphic design it was because I thought it was the closest thing to drawing that could have professional opportunities.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
Since I was little I always liked drawing and doing handicrafts, in fact I was the typical girl who had more fun alone drawing or making handmade gifts for my friends and family, and something that still embarrasses me a lot because it sounds like being too much of a ball, I also made drawings for my favourite teachers! Hahaha.
That's how I studied graphic design. I have been working and still living from design for 21 years, but a little before the pandemic I felt I needed to draw again. To illustrate reflections or objects that I liked without any commission, to leave the computer for a while. Thus was born Red&Bluebecause they are the two main colours in my palette. I like the way they vibrate and give a lot of personality to my work. This project took even more shape during the pandemic.
When we were locked up I started asking friends and family to send me photos of what they were doing and I illustrated them. From this project they started to commission personalised portraits from me and that's when I decided to create my online shop. From these months of closure at home, the Pot family was also born, recycled ceramics in which I create characters. For example, an elephant is born from a teapot or twin big-nosed twins from two cups.
What do you find most satisfying about your work, and any that you are particularly proud of?
My heart is divided between graphic design, in MMMM studio (on Instagram), which I created in 2019 together with my partner Gemma Fontanals, and my illustration project Red & Blue. In graphic design, I enjoy creating identities and packaging where the client feels identified and it helps them to differentiate their brand from the competition, also, in the studio we always try to give the projects a soul and fun is one of the priorities and internal requirements for good projects to come out. From illustration, as I said, creating without commissions. Because it is born and makes me enjoy telling stories or simply making beautiful things that brighten up people's homes. I have fun in both and I think I'm very lucky to work in what I like.
There are two projects I am most proud of, the first one, the creative project ".The Barcelonian"(on Instagram), a fictitious magazine inspired by The New Yorkerwhere different artists illustrated the covers of what could be the Barcelona magazine. And from this project, I got the chance to collaborate with El País Semanal, doing the inside cover of a report on cities.
What is your creative process like, what are your sources of inspiration, any particular music while working?
When I start a new project, I always look at references that inspire me, usually from the world of art or other professionals. I create sketches and in the case of graphic design, I try to have a concept behind them.
In illustration, being somewhat freer, I let myself be guided more by my intuition and the things that surround me at that moment.
Always with music. I am quite flexible when it comes to listening to music while I work, but I never work in silence. I like Japanese Breakfast, many Spanish indie bands, Bosanova and also classics like Leonard Cohen or Nina Simone.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
Klein blue.
Tokyo Blues (Murakami)
Desiring to love (Wong Kar-wai)
Getz/Gilberto
Is your home a reflection of who you are? Tell us what it smells like, your favourite corner, your favourite decorative object or piece of furniture, if you treasure a collection... And if you have a pet, introduce it to us!
My house is informal but neat. I have a mix of furniture from Ikea, recycled furniture and some that belonged to relatives. It always smells of citrus and is full of plants.
My favourite piece of furniture is a Windsor chair from the 70s that I rescued from a great aunt's house, which was painted black and I stripped it. I really like furniture from the 70s.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
Well, more than a specific object, I'd love to find a bright flat with a terrace in the Gràcia district of Barcelona. I've already got one on my list, but it's way out of my budget... hahaha.
A great plan at home always includes...
A bottle of wine, good music and, of course, good company.
Do you have a signature dish?
I love cooking paella, but one simple dish that I can't get enough of is huevos estrellados con jamón (fried eggs with ham).
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
In Barcelona, I love walking the streets of Ciutat Vella and Gràcia (when there aren't many tourists).
From abroad, I am a lover of Asian cities. To wander around and get to know the customs and food.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
When we were little we drew and when we grew up we stopped doing it. I think we should never stop picking up a pencil and telling stories through illustration, even if we don't do it professionally. It's a great exercise, like writing or learning an instrument. Without fear and without shame, just for the pleasure of letting our imagination fly.
Ah! currently in Balam Workshop in Barcelona you can visit my first exhibition; "Amigues platòniques i altres espècies", a journey through those moments with friends that are ephemeral but remain forever. Enamel painted on plates and ceramics, until 30th September!
Thanks for the interview, I loved it!
