Sergio Membrillas

posted by Anna Chayasatit December 18, 2020

Whether creating commercial illustrative narratives or self-directed projects, Valencia-based artist and illustrator Sergio Membrillas uses striking blocks of colour and bold shapes to develop a unique style that reminds us of the warmer summer days.

It’s clear from a single glimpse that his knack for composition is something that resonates throughout his work. Going through Sergio’s illustrations is like looking at photographs captured at eye level but with movements and a sense of stability. He uses colourful shapes and simple geometries against a plain background to draw the eye. The result of which is the invention of distinctive character design, tying everyday life with a playful and illustrative interpretation.

Having drawn since his early childhood, his love for art was evident as a boy. Besides day-to-day life, photography, design books, and the internet, Sergio also takes inspiration from design giants such as Tom Eckersley and Fredun Shapur whose work has influenced him to adopt a thoughtful approach to shape, colour, and composition.

Steadily building up his client base while also dividing his time between commercial projects and his freelance teaching job at the University of Fine Arts at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, he has created artworks for the likes of The New Yorker, The New York Times, Wired magazine, Die Zeit, The Telegraph and The Washington Post, as well as brands like Vans. What’s more, he has also published his own illustrated book, ‘Life Happens around Doorways’, which features fictional characters inspired by scenes in his home city of Valencia.