Domestika Diary: Alfonso de Anda

Mexican illustrator Alfonso de Anda tells us about his creative routine and sources of inspiration during confinement

Confinement can undermine the inspiration of even the most creative people. Alfonso de Anda (@deandaalfonso), a multifaceted Mexican illustrator who has working on projects in areas as varied as editorial illustration, animation, advertising, mural design, fashion design and gallery exhibits, has not been immune to this effect. However, he has found ways to stay creative and productive.

In this Domestika Diary, the illustrator opens the doors of his home, his routine, and his studio to share his daily life with us and the strategies with which he has fought the feared creative block during the pandemic. Discover it below:

Alfonso de Anda, whose clients include well-known brands and publications such as Google, The New York Times, Snapchat, Vans, Adidas Originals, Nike, Absolut, and many more, highlights the importance of routine, not only creative but physical, to be productive in professional projects.

From starting the day by biking and going to the market, to spending time planing the week to avoid distractions. This is especially relevant for someone like him, since his works are often self-published: fanzines, publications created by oneself without the mediation of a publisher, are a very important part of his career.

Now that the current situation allows him to return to his studio, he surrounds himself with toys, figures and books that inspire his creativity and motivate him to continue working.

Because of his work, it is easy for Alfonso to spend a lot of time in front of a screen. To avoid the exhaustion that this can cause, he is clear about needing dedicate some time during the day to draw by hand so that, at the end of the day, he can have tangible drawings to be proud of.

If you want to rediscover the sensation of paper in your hands by editing your first zine with Alfonso de Anda, do not miss his online course Fanzine and Self-publishing Lab.

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