Takeover Tuesday with Luddo
Q&A with Luddo, a Freelance Illustrator and Designer based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Luddo's work illustrates the contemporary world of fashion and products, combining playful abstractions and relaxed characters with bold and pastel color compositions. The majority of her work is in fashion illustration and surface design for packaging and branding. She defines herself as a lover of interior design, fashion, and product trends.
Q&A with Luddo
Read time: 5min
Madison Caprara:
Hey, Luddo! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me! Why don’t you give us a little introduction to yourself and your work?
Luddo:
Hey! Thanks for having me. I’m Luddo, a Designer and Illustrator based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. My work illustrates the contemporary world of fashion and products, combining playful abstractions and relaxed characters with funky color compositions. I am always looking for new ways in which I can play around with color!
I identify as a lover of interior design, fashion, and new product trends. I love bringing these passions into my characters and environments while creating a world that I can feel personally related to.
Madison Caprara:
How did you originally find yourself in the creative industry?
Luddo:
I always knew that I wanted to be in a creative field, but it took me some time to define which path I naturally wanted to be a part of. I have a degree in Industrial Design, so that first lead me to working as an Art Director at a stationery brand. With that work, I came to understand that I really loved the graphic side of the products. That understanding lead me to branding, and finally, illustration, which is what I specialize in nowadays. Looking back, I just allowed myself to move forward in what I was most interested in. At the end of the day, it is amazingly satisfying to be working in what I loved doing most as a child--we should acknowledge those early signs more often.
Madison Caprara:
I agree! Too often, I think, adults brush off children’s interests as fleeting hobbies.
Your work is really interesting! I get the sense that you primarily work within the fashion realm, both for clothes and product branding. Was this decision intentional? After recognizing your love for illustration, did you go in realizing that the fashion industry was the sector you were most interested in, or was it something realized with time?
Luddo:
I always loved fashion, and at the same time, I try to illustrate my world of interests. That being said, it's something that came naturally to me. If I’m obsessed with any outfits or trends, you’ll definitely see it in my work! I remember when I was around 10 years old, I had a sketchbook in which I created outfits for characters. So happily, that hasn’t changed much.
Madison Caprara:
Speaking of product branding, you have your shop where folks can purchase home decor with your designs. How did you find yourself getting into product sales?
Luddo:
As I come from the product field, I find it amazing when you can create personalized products with your illustrations. Seeing your art come to life is really satisfying. Apart from my actual shop, I also love to work on projects that involve materializing my illustrations in other mediums. As a fashion lover, it would be amazing to work with clothing someday.
Madison Caprara:
Is there a distinct difference between creating for your own products and clients? Do you have a preference?
Luddo:
Yes! Working with your own personal products is more open. You can be involved in every decision and detail. But when it comes to client products, it’s more common to be given a single area in which the graphics will be applied. Usually, the canvas of the product is already designed and involves really small costs that were analyzed internally to be able to mass-produce it.
Madison Caprara:
Do you have any advice for other creatives who may be interested in applying their works to personal product sales?
Luddo:
I would say that creativity is all about practice and trying new things, so move forward!
Also, I think that personal projects are an amazing tool to showcase yourself as the best creative version of what you want to be. No one is involved there so you can truly show 100% of yourself. Use that chance to show the kind of work you want to be hired for.
Madison Caprara:
When working on your own personal projects, do you have a favorite subject matter you like to work with? Any particular passions?
Luddo:
The subject always changes, so I can focus on a new thing that I want to showcase or current obsessions that I need to express. I love doing personal projects, though! They are really important for my growth.
Madison Caprara:
Now, are you currently working as a freelancer?
Luddo:
Yes! I'm full-time freelancing right now, however, this change is pretty recent. I'm really enjoying my first year on my own. I'm happy to have taken this big step, my work has grown so much this year and I am excited to soon show the new projects I've been working on!
Madison Caprara:
Congratulations on taking the plunge! What sparked the change?
Luddo:
I've worked within a company for five years and I felt it was time to follow another direction. I needed to make my side job my full-time. It was the only way to grow with what I wanted to do, so for my birthday, I said, “ok, let's do this!”
Madison Caprara:
I’m sure that felt crazy liberating!
Looking at some of your freelance work, who has been your favorite client or project?
Luddo:
I've worked with Badoo dating on a new project that I'm excited to share soon.
Madison Caprara:
We’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for that one.
Now you said you are currently based in Buenos Aires, yes? What is the creative industry like there?
Luddo:
The creative industry in Argentina in general has amazing artists! There is so much talent! Our industry is beginning to open up to working more on worldwide and international projects, so I'm really happy that we are showing our voices and perspectives to the world.
Madison Caprara:
Where do you find yourself seeking inspiration when in a creative rut?
Luddo:
I would say that I use Pinterest and Instagram to see images that inspire me. But when I need clarity, I'm more about just going to walk my dog, or in general, leaving the screens. That usually brings me better ideas.
Madison Caprara:
I really appreciate you taking the time for a chat, Luddo. We’re reaching the tail end of this Q&A. Before we sign off, do you have any closing statements or advice you’d like to share?
Luddo:
Keep moving forward! Everything will find its place along the way.
