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TimTim

posted by Robyn Pitts August 10, 2020

Liverpool-based Timea Balo, aka TimTim, is a graphic designer, illustrator, and creative technologist whose work is defined by a playful use of lines, shapes, and optical effects. Timea specialises in vinyl art; a process where the artwork is cut from vinyl and carefully placed on card by hand.

Whilst studying for a degree in Illustration and Graphics she developed her eclectic style that incorporates design, illustration, generative graphics, creative tech, and furniture making. Five years ago, Timea moved to Liverpool, and has been working at a brand design agency (Uniform) ever since. Over the years she has grown her design and illustration skills, working on more side projects to expand her repertoire.

The vinyl prints that Timea is now known for began as a side project, as she wanted to create some art for her flat. She learnt how to use a vinyl cutter a while before, but mainly used it for signage or small graphics. Wanting to decorate her home, Timea had the idea of cutting some of her illustrations in vinyl in order to make large-scale posters; “It worked out well and I really enjoyed the process of making the posters, so I kept doing them. Not long after I posted a few of them on Instagram and things sort of snowballed from there.”

Although she creates Riso and digital prints, vinyl remains Timea’s main love. “The process itself requires quite a lot of patience and it can take a long time to go through, but I find it very therapeutic” explains the illustrator. She prepares her designs for the vinyl cutter, cuts them, and then spends time peeling off the sections from the sheet that aren’t to be included in the final poster. Once this meticulous stage is complete, Timea sticks the vinyl on card; “this is always a bit nerve-wracking because it is not the most forgiving material – you really only get one shot to stick it on“.

Gaining inspiration from the world around her, people and contemporary society are a constant source of influence for her works, as well as the mundane and random small things that she notices around her. Originally from Romania, Timea’s work also reflects her rich cultural heritage, and she is currently working on a project that draws inspiration from Romanian culture and language.

Timea’s We’re All Winging It sums up her, much relatable, approach to work. Going forward she hopes to collaborate with local Liverpool-based businesses and get more involved in the creative community; “Liverpool is an extremely creative city so I want to do more things locally“. The artist is also planning some large-scale mural work, concluding; “I’m on the lookout for some opportunities to get my hands dirty“.