Meet The Artists – Dàlia Adillon

Currently living between Durham and Barcelona, Dàlia Adillon has been with Artworks for a little under 3 years! Dalia’s work is instantly recognisable, with her signature style of oval eyed characters and textured use of colour. During her time at The Artworks, Dàlia’s favourite project has been “Amelia Earhart. Little Guides to Great Lives ” by Laurence King Publishing.

“It was fantastic to illustrate the text of Isabel Thomas, following the directions of the great editorial team at Laurence King. Looking for information and photographic material to learn about this great woman and everything she did was really fun! A lot of work had to be done before actually starting the project itself… They were quite hard months, I had a lot of work since the book had many illustrations, but once I had the book finished in my hands, and seeing it in all the bookstores, it was very gratifying!”

We spoke to Dàlia to learn more about her life as an Artworks Artist…

Where is your studio located?

Currently, my studio is on top of my house. It’s a space isolated from the rest, it’s full of beautiful things, plants, big windows, very quiet, it’s bright and white. That’s all I need!

Can you describe your creative process?

When I receive a commission, the first thing I do is thorough research about the subject. I look for information in articles, books, photos, illustrations, etc. to have a good conceptual and visual basis before starting to work. Then I start the first roughs and I reduce the colour palette. After having the feedback from the client I make small adjustments if necessary and finally I apply colour to the illustrations (my favourite part!).

What does a typical working day look like?

In the morning I do either pottery or yoga, it’s the best way to start my day. After a second breakfast, I have enough energy to work in my studio. I make a lunch stop and if the work allows it, I finish work at mid-afternoon then I meet a friend or I walk in the woods around my home.

Do you listen to music or the radio whilst you work? If so, what’s on your playlist?

I spend a lot of time working and I take advantage of this time to listen to absolutely everything: radio, ted x talks and of course music. In my playlist, you can find: Zaz, Silvia Pérez Cruz, Perotá Chingó, Eduard Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Eddie Vedder, Ben Harper, etc.

How long have you been with the Artworks for?

I started working with The Artworks Agency in June 2017 and I’m very happy with them. The agency is very professional, with a great team and very good clients. During those two and a half years the volume of work has been very high, I’ve worked on very interesting projects with very important clients!

What drew you to Artworks?

I found them reading Children’s Writers and Artists Yearbook, also I’d heard very good comments about them and I liked the fact that it is not a very big agency…. I think it’s better this way!

What books or programmes did you love as a child? Have they influenced your work in any way?

Yes, I believe that everyone’s experiences influence one’s work, from childhood to adulthood. I think it’s very important for an illustrator to read, go to the cinema, the theatre, listen to music, take an interest in food etc. Culture is essential for a good illustrator!

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be instead?

I’d like to be a florist. Florists work with colours, forms, composition, etc. The same elements that an illustrator does, and I love nature…

What was the most important lesson your learned at Art School, if you went!

Being very methodical in the work process. It’s very important to have discipline, especially on long projects. I’ve also learned that the emotional part is reflected in the work of an illustrator. It’s important to be happy and be good to yourself!

What inspires you the most to create?

Nature is a great source of inspiration. I love to spend my free time in the woods. It relaxes me and it also helps me to solve work doubts…

Name three artists that you admire.

The painter H. Matisse, the illustrator Saul Bass and the sculptor A. Calder.

What kind of commissions do you enjoy the most?

I really like to vary, but I guess children’s books are my weakness!

What would your dream commission be?

I don’t have a specific project in mind. I love working on new and different projects because it allows me to learn from each of them. I like working with

professionals who know what they want and are open-minded, so that they have the freedom to create, and to be able to complement and enrich their ideas with mine.

Do you have any pets? If so, what and what are they called?

No, I don’t currently have a pet… But I hope to resolve this soon!

What 5 things could you not live without?

Nature (very close), chocolate (my weakness), music (important in my life), yoga (to start the day well) and of course art (essential in my life).

What is your very favourite meal?

I love fruit, I could be eating fruit all day long… And it’s always better with a bit of chocolate!

What do you like to do in your spare time? I currently want to continue my studies in pottery. Making your own pieces is very fun, relaxing and very productive. I have lots of new bowls and cups at home!

What is your current dream travel destination?

I would very much like to go to Australia. Someday, I hope…!

See more of Dalia’s work here!