The demons and the good side
I studied graphic arts in Colombia graduating with a technical degree in Graphic Arts. When I came to the States in 2002, I finished an associates in arts and did some more classes at DePaul University in Chicago. I started my own graphic design business and on the side I do some artwork for bands such as Kataklysm, which is what started the side business Ocvlta Designs. Ocvlta Designs is where I can unwind in my full-creative mode, unfortunately my other business doesn’t allow me to have much time for this. I plan to continue creating more and more band covers, posters, t-shirts, etc. It’s really fun to imagine something and be able to put it on a vinyl, digipack or a t-shirt!
I would say my technique goes towards photographic manipulation. I use the Adobe software (Photoshop and Illustrator mostly), and starting with a Wacom tablet. I am old school and like to draw on light table or a simple desk with a nice set of pens, but technology demands everything digitized nowadays so I’m trying to catch up with that part of the drawing techniques.
With the cover for “Of Ghosts and Gods”, Kataklysm band members collaborated immensely on the direction they wanted. There could be a thousand ways an artwork can turn up and I like to know as much as possible what my client has in mind before throwing ideas and put the imagination at work. I read the lyrics and started tossing some ideas on the table. We finally agreed on an idea and they loved the result.
My philosophy is to stay true to yourself and understand your demons as well as your “good side”. Use everything you are and envision your art in such a way that defines you and the art you are making.
I adore symbolism. I think cultures and people are totally defined by it. Ancient cultures, the occult themes, and archeology is a huge passion of mine, love to read about and find out the similarities and huge differences all cultures had in a specific moment in time. How the climate influenced scripture, speech and so many cultural traits. It definitely influences my work, to me, everything is connected, and even if there are so many differences in the human cultures, their behavior and ultimate beliefs are pretty much the same. I did use some symbolism in the “Of Ghosts and Gods” artwork. Actual Ancient discs in aramaic writing behind the man, the crow, some religious symbols; really liked using those.
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Interview by Alex Milazzo – Copyright 2017 © Heavy Music Artwork. All rights reserved.
