Interview with: Josefina Schargorodsky

We chat to Argentinian artist Josefina Schargorodsky about her nostalgic illustrations & the inspiration behind them.

Tell us a little about yourself and what path lead you to become an illustrator and graphic designer.

I grew up in a very small town where there wasn’t much to do apart from hanging out around the river. Because I was the littlest in my family I was always surrounded by grownups. My mom, grandmothers and aunt were very involved in teaching me a lot of stuff and buying me the best materials to paint. I was a very curious child and drew a lot, I really liked to work on very big canvases. When I finished school I moved to Buenos Aires to study fine arts. After one year doing that I was having a terrible time. I was a really bad student and wasn’t really interested in university. I changed majors to fashion design. That was a huge change in my life and my way of thinking. I can’t thank enough all the things I learnt in design school, they were super helpful for my career.

Can you tell us a little about your work and the inspiration behind it?

I think there are three mayor feelings I try to convey in my work. One is sensibility, in the way we are sensitive to life and the world that surrounds us. The second one is nostalgia. Special attention in aesthetics from past decades. The last one is female identity. Being a woman and all that comes with that, the special point of view we have as women in this society. I get inspired by everyday life and struggles but also films, lots of films.

Can you give us a little insight into your creative process and what materials you use?

At the moment I’m working mostly digitally. I used to do all of my work with gouache but now I changed. I really like to paint though and I try to do it whenever I can. My process is very intellectual. I think a lot about my work. I like to be prepared and be practical. I usually don’t get into doing things without thinking about the outcome. I think ideas, sketch them, draw them and finally paint them (whether digitally or with paints)

What would we find you doing when you’re not making your art?

I try to keep hobbies that are not drawing related. I like to play the piano, go to swing dancing and bake.

Are you working on any new projects at the moment?

I’m always working in a few projects at the same time. Right now I’m in the early stages of my next book, preparing a speech I’m giving in Chile and doing lots of client work.

What are your future goals and ambitions as an illustrator/graphic designer?

I’d love to be a referent in the female community creating illustrations that are meaningful for women around the world. Also, I would love to illustrate a Hermes scarf.

Are there any particular projects that you have enjoyed working on the most?

I don’t know if there’s a favorite project per se. In every project there’s at least one part I enjoy the most. In books I love the first stages: planning, thinking about the drawings, making decisions to be committed throughout the book. In other projects I love the final stages: painting the final drawing and editing.

Are there any budding artists, photographers or designers that you are loving right now?

Right now I’m loving the works of Jay Fletcher, Eleanor Davis and Haley Tippman.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

I tend to get very worried about everything and my mother once said “no hay que preocuparse, hay que ocuparse” which means not to get worried but to do something about it.

To see more of Josefina’s work visit josefinaschargo.com or @josefinaschargo