Tobias Fonseca Shows the Texture

Tobias Fonseca aka tobiasfonseca is a graphic designer from São Francisco de Paula, Brazil. He is one of our top printed designers with 9 fabulous prints at DBH. His work has detailed execution and often links to animals and nature. Tobias has been with us from nearly the start and never disappoints with his submissions. I had the pleasure of interviewing this bearded creative recently and boy did we have fun.

Tobias Fonseca Tells Us his Secrets

Q: Hi Tobias, tell me what living in Brazil is like, do you play soccer on the beach?

A: I love it here! I live in a small town in the south of Brazil, so there’s no beach, but lots of nature and even snow during winter! It doesn’t snow like in the US, but sometimes we can play with it too. :] I used to play soccer when I was a teen, but not anymore. I’ve never was a sport fan. I enjoy going to the gym or jogging around the lake.

Q: I have noticed recently you have had a slew of awesome submissions at DBH, did you get some free time from your busy schedule or did you just miss us?

A: The first semester of 2011 wasn’t good to me, I had to take a break from design. I didn’t planned it, it just happened. But all in all I think it was good. I’m now more focused, thinking better and dedicating more time to my creations…So I’m back DBH! :{D

Q: Do you freelance full-time or do you have a day job too, if so what is it?

A: I used to work in an advertising agency. I did it for 2 years and even won a couple of Brazilian awards but I think it’s too much rush for me. I need more time for myself, I don’t like to work under pressure. That’s why I dropped all of it to illustrate at home. I have my home studio here so I can draw, paint and work on my creations without somebody screaming at my ear. Yeah, I know that I should create more, but…you can’t control the creation process – and I really don’t want to control it, so that’s it.

Q: Your style seems to suggest that all your work is hand drawn, is that the basis for many of your designs?

A: Not really. I try to do that ‘cause I like to draw, but sometimes it’s just impossible. Most of the time my ideas need something different that I can’t do by hand, so I use references. Not always, though. “Crowned Crow” was hand drawn (some minor adjustments on PS, of course :P) and “Sky is Falling” was entirely on PS (except for the initial concept, which wasn’t used for tracing).

Q: Many of your design feature animals, do you draw inspiration from the wilderness or do you just use subjects you know people can relate to?

A: Animals are my reality. I’m surrounded by nature and I love it. I love winter elements and all kind of animals – we don’t have bears in Brazil, which I love so I use them all the time. I love to watch similarities between animals and people. As you said, I can’t deny my love for nature. :]

Q: You have a good eye for composition and layout, did you have formal training or are you self taught?

A: Not really. I started my professional life working on a local newspaper for 1 or 2 years, where I got the base to work with advertising. I learned fast. I started as a temporary worker and when I left I was the Creative Director. So I learned it by doing. I like learning, that’s why I have lots of design and illustrations books.

Q: Let’s talk about that beard. Have you always had one and do you think it makes you look wind swept and interesting, I do?

A: It’s the source of my creativity. If I trim it I can’t create anything. Ok, I’m too lazy to shave, that’s the truth LOL. Besides, without it I look 16, so it’s a good thing to have it. I don’t mind people calling me bear, homeless guy, cave man or stuff like that. Last week a guy who was passing by said: “Hey, Santa!” – I laughed, of course. :P

Q: What materials do you use to make your art and how has that changed over the years?

A: When I started drawing I did manga, some fanzines and that kind of stuff. After I started working with design I just used paper, China ink, pencil, eraser and Photoshop. It didn’t change over the years. Ooops, my mistake: after a while I started using ecoline and watercolors to create some designs, but that’s all.

Q: If you could give new designers a few words of Tobias wisdom what would they be?

A: Keep designing, don’t give it up, keep trying. Every design that you do improves your skills a bit. A friend told me “creativity is action”, so DO IT! Sooner or later your work is gonna be great! I hope I’m gonna be great someday! :D Oh, yeah… and the most important: keep growing your beard! :{P

Q: Finally, if the world was about to end and zombies were in your house, what would be the weapon of choice you would have to defend you and your family?

A: I have no clue where I would get it, but definitely a KATANA! Or I would do an anti-zombie poster LOL

Check out more of Tobias Fonseca’s work at cargocollective.com/tobefonseca