YERBA MATE with Malena
Malena De Luca is an Argentinean illustrator and designer who creates surreal and colourful stories, from her home studio in Torino.
We chatted 70s’ aesthetics, punk and book covers to uncover her unique style and approach, enjoy!
Hola Malena!
What’s something that made you smile recently?
M. A lovely walk to the park this morning, it was sunny and a bit chilly!
What’s currently on your playlist ?
M. A bit of electronic tropical music. Chancha Via Circuito and Populus are some of my favourites.
Illustration by Malena De Luca
If your design style had a personality, how would you describe it?
M: I’m sure it would be fun to be around, with positive and playful vibes, dreaming around . A bit of a grunge teenager and clumsy maybe, but charming in its own way :)
What’s the one thing you love the most about your practice?
M: The connection that we develop between people, the project and the solution. What happens in the middle, the process.
What non-design fields influence your work the most?
M: Everything can be an inspiration depending on the project, but my favourite fields are always related to the cinema and art history, vintage vibes from the 70’s and grunge 90’s aesthetics, but also the esoteric and nature.
Illustration by Malena De Luca
What’s your ideal setup to get creative?
M: Like a big percentage of creatives, coffee (or the Argentinean version, mate). For music depends on the vibe I need, but I created very long and curated playlists for that. When I need to deactivate my internal chat: horror-movies podcasts, I’m not sure why but it takes me to the right mood to create without overthinking too much.
What’s your next experimentation field?
M: In my personal practice, I’m experimenting with colour, printing, returning to the design and painting outside the computer.
Illustration by Malena De Luca
Tell us about your favourite collaborative projects. What do you enjoy from working with others?
M: Being a freelancer can be a bit solitary, so when you have the chance to collaborate with others, is awesome. We are so much powerful and efficient in teams, and it is way more fun.
Tell us about design you love… but would never personally do?
M: Books. I have profound respect and admiration for minimal, clean, gorgeous and well-balanced editorial designs. I love typography, but I enjoy creating impact more than peace to the eye.
Illustration by Malena De Luca
What’s one thing you think the design industry needs more of?
M. I think we are missing the point in why we like creating things, for us or others, the fun of it, the possibility of surprising ourselves. Trusting and enjoying the process of things, not rushing to an outcome.
Thank you Male, onwards!
