i’m completely smitten with original cinema poster art. i love to see how others artistically view the films. i came across etsy artist claudia varosio‘s work several months ago and loved not only the films and characters she chose as subjects, but her use of colour and lines.
i’m going to admit that i’ve netflixed a few films just because claudia has chosen them as subjects. i really enjoy her work and thought you would too, so claudia was gracious enough to do a little interview for mixtapes and cupcakes. read the loveliness below!
Lindsay : Do you work as a full time artist, or do you create in your spare time (and if so the latter, how do you find the time and motivation to create while also having a job?)
Claudia : I do have a day job, so my Etsy shop is a hobby of sorts: however, rather than the motivation, which is rarely lacking as I enjoy creating my prints, being short of time is definitely my biggest problem.
How did you begin coming into your design aesthetic? Were you first an artist who enjoyed film and fiction subjects, or a film fanatic who wanted to further your enjoyment by creating art for the films?
I’d say the two things go closely together: the illustrated poster is without a doubt one of the art forms I enjoy the most (I am thinking in particular of the posters between the beginning of the 19th century and the Sixties, when illustration was much more commonly used to promote cinema or anything else), so, as a film lover, it seemed the most obvious medium of choice for me.
What is your design process like? Do you visually see the art in your mind after watching these films or reading these books, then create? Or do you sit in front of a blank canvas and see what happens?
It depends on the film, but the first option is generally more common: I definitely benefit from watching the film first, rather than the other way round, so that’s what tends to happen.
What programs, tools, or media do you use/enjoy while creating your art?
Drawing is the one I most enjoy, for sure.
Do you feel Etsy is the perfect outlet for your work, or would you like to branch out one day? What advice could you give to artists who are starting out and thinking about going the Etsy route?
At the moment, Etsy seems perfect for my needs, so I am not currently considering leaving it. Of course I can’t speak for the future, but somehow I am hoping it won’t change.
As for advice for people who are considering opening an Etsy store, I’d say enjoying what you do is truly what counts the most.
Which artists and styles do you look to for inspiration for your art?
I love Saul Bass, of course, and I am obsessed with poster artists from the first half of last century, even those who are not so famous. Also, comics’ artists such as Tomine and Clowes are always a great source of inspiration.
You have a very particular taste in cinema (all great, in my opinion.) A lot of these films are very specific and some even not so known or popular. How do you discover these films?
Thanks! I discover films through newspapers, magazines and dedicated blogs. I guess I am trying to support independent cinema the way I can, and focus on movies that mean the most to me, even though these are not necessarily the most popular. I like to create posters for them both to connect and share my love for them with those people who already know them, or to promote them to those people who don’t, yet…
What are a few films that will always be on your favourite/classics list, and what are a few films you’re currently obsessed with?
Most of the films I have created a poster for are my favourite ones; with Chinatown, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, The Squid and the Whale and There Will Be Blood currently being right at the top.
Since you obviously have fabulous taste in cinema and literature, you must have great taste in music! Which bands/musicians do you enjoy or feel compliment your art style?
I must admit, I am a bit out of the loop when it comes to contemporary music… Apart from Yeah Yeah Yeahs, I tend to listen to musicians who were at their peak a few years ago, like Bowie, but I guess that does fit with my obsession with the past.
Besides films and literature, what else (or who else) inspires you?
I am huge ‘graphic novels’ fan, and have a thing for miniatures in any shape and form. Travelling and food also play a huge role in my life, as does design and, to a lesser extent, clothes.
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claudia, thank you so much for your inspiring words and works of art! please check out claudia’s etsy store and have a lovely weekend!
xoxo.lindsay
