6 minute read
The Illustrators Journal
YVONNE DURAN
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When did you first think about art as something you wanted to be involved with? Were you encouraged or discouraged by family, friends, teachers, mentors?
My aunt took me to a play in Los Angeles and it opened up my world. I wanted to be a costume designer at first but when in school I changed my major to graphic design.
What kind of kid were you? Where did you grow up? What were your influences?
I was born in Texas and grew up in a suburb of Southern California. I was not the kid who drew, I was the quirky girl with unlimited imagination. I did a lot of pretend play and daydreaming and little did I know how that would be a big part of the work I do. I was encouraged by my parents and friends but I was so driven, I don’t think anyone could’ve stopped me. Everything left an impression with me, I felt like a scientist, observing people, their clothes, gestures, expressions, behavior. I studied magazines for hours, trying to figure out how they were put together.
How has your background played a part in your career?
Nobody in my family is creative or an artist, I was the odd one and that helped push me because it was the thing that nobody could do, I was the trailblazer.
How did your interests in art direction evolve into working with magazines?
I was obsessed with magazines since I was 10, I collected stories and layouts. When I discovered graphic design, I was able to put the magazine and design together. After a dismal year as a production artist at Grey Advertising I focused on magazines. I called all the magazines in Los Angeles that appealed to me and got a job as an assistant art director at Shape Magazine.
How do you stay up to date on styles outside of your projects? What do you recommend to younger artists/ art directors who are just developing their portfolios?
I follow other artists (designers, art directors, illustrators, animators, photographers, design studios) on social media. Use Pinterest to find art that speaks to you. Join groups like AIGA, Society of Publication Designers, Society of Illustrators, conferences like ICON 11. Get together in small groups with other art people and do a show, you’d be surprised how inspiring that can be.
You do so many different types of articles and designs. What is your favorite area to work in?
I love all of it, the variety is what I like. The children’s area is fun in that I commission about 20-30 pieces to children’s book artists each month, it’s really a dream to do that. Art directing health magazines was using different skills, I used more sophisticated design which is more challenging and fulfilling in the design. I try to break into a new category every few years. During Covid, I took on 3 books, a toddler sticker book, a children’s non-fiction book and a craft whiskey book for adults, these really made my year. Being challenged creatively is what we should always aim for, that is what makes this work fulfilling.
Can you explain what the experience of working on a publication is all about?
There’s 3 parts: 1. Discovery: Ideas, pitches, dreaming, creating the vision. 2. Planning and Hiring: Reading stories and assigning to photographers and illustrators and doing rough layouts. 3. Executing: Directing photoshoots, placing final art, finalizing the design. In between all that is collaborating with editors/designers on stories, word counts and any details. There are parts where negotiating and being personable really help to get a crew or editor to work with you to package a story, most of the time you are working with other creatives and your job is to help them do their best work.
I’m curious about how you choose what to work on and who to work with on it. Is there a certain type of project or artist you gravitate towards?
The potential project has to have 3 of these 5 things: Pay well/Good people to work with/Will be a portfolio piece/Autonomy/Subject I believe in or love the idea. I only work with good collaborators; whenever I work with someone who I clash with, I don’t accept any more projects with them if freelance. If I am working on staff and I don’t like the people, I find another job.
Do you freelance? What do you do to promote yourself and get work?
Yes, I always freelance, we should always keep those doors open. This is the most important piece of advice I can give to a designer/illustrator/art director:
"I always design something quickly after I read the brief or story, it is my first impression"
What’s going on in your head when you work on a piece/campaign? Your fears, anticipation, confidence , etc. How do you know something is finished?
I always design something quickly after I read the brief or story. It's my first impression, I am still fresh on the concept. From there I research and look for inspiration. The beginning of any project is my favorite time, I’m excited and it’s full of possibilities. The middle part is the hardest for me, it’s all about the details. I almost never like what I design or art direct, I’m too close to it. I am done when the deadline hits. It’s only after time has passed do I know if I like the project. When I look back at my work, I can see the strongest pieces better.
Who if anyone influences your work?
Fred Woodward, Fabien Barron, Debra Bishop, Chipp Kid. Sometimes I just walk around a book store and get really inspired.
Be that person that is fun, warm, a problem solver and inspiring to work with, people will always recommend you to others. I have never advertised; most my work comes from people I’ve work with. Even more than talent, your ability to be personable is the reason you will get more than enough work. That doesn’t mean you have to force being pleasant or that you don’t stand up for yourself rather you handle problems and difficult situation with confidence and solutions which makes you proactive and positive.
What’s the future hold for you? Any ultimate goal?
I’d like to move into video and do more books and do some interviewing on camera. Ultimately, I’d like to create a product.
If you could meet anyone in the field you’re in who would it be and why?
I’d love to interview and brainstorm with Grace Bonney from Design Sponge, Linzie Hinter (illustrator), Lisa Congdon, Stephen Fraser from Spoonflower.
