Barbara Ana Gomez

Barbara Ana Gomez is a Spanish-born illustrator who’s been based in London, UK since 2007. Her often intricate artworks are created using a mixture of digital and hand-drawn techniques. Through her “Illustrated Songs” collection, Barbara pictures the fantasy world of her favourite lyrics, taking inspiration from the likes of Sufjan Stevens, Radiohead, Laura Marling and Sigur Rós.

Barbara’s been a regular collaborator of ours. She’s been featured in Series 3, Series 4, Series 9, The UK Launch and Series 13 and was also part of the curator panel for Series 11.

Website: barbarana.com
Instagram: @barbarana_illustration
Twitter: @barbarana
Facebook: facebook.com/Barbarana.Illustration

How’d you get started as an artist?

I always enjoyed drawing. My school books were filled with doodles and song lyrics. I studied Advertising and Graphic Design in Madrid, and moved to London in 2007 to take an Illustration course at the London College of Communication. I’ve been freelancing as an Illustrator since then.

What stands out for you as one of your favourite career highlights so far?

Around 20 of my Illustrated Songs are currently decorating the walls of the Balabam, a great music venue in North London. That’s quite exciting.What are you currently working on?

I’m now working on a new Illustrated Song that, hopefully, will see the light soon.

Who or what influences your art?

Music is my main source of inspiration, but also films, people, nature, art, life in general. I believe almost anything can be a source of inspiration or trigger an idea.What is your creative process like?

It’s a mixture of digital and hand-drawn techniques. I work with pens, taking great pleasure in carefully drawing every fine detail. Then I scan the images afterwards, to apply colour digitally.

How do you feel our Art + Brewing initiative can benefit emerging artists?

It’s such an exciting way of having your artwork seen all around the world – on a beer can, how cool is that! I really appreciate the fact that Collective Arts encourages artists to submit work that has already been produced. And also that every chosen artist gets fair payment for licensing their art. I’m not in favour of art competitions asking for spec work, and I think this is an example of how things can be done properly