Marta Antelo

Marta Antelo

(She/Her) • Madrid, Spain

Biography Interview

Marta Antelo is an internationally acclaimed Spanish illustrator, renowned for her enchanting contributions to the world of children's books and editorial art. With a vivid and captivating style, she weaves intricate visual narratives that transport readers to imaginative realms. Marta's work transcends borders, resonating with audiences worldwide, and her illustrations have graced the pages of numerous publications and literary works. Her ability to infuse warmth, whimsy, and wonder into every piece of art she creates makes Marta Antelo a beloved figure in the global illustration community.

Selected clients


National Geographic Kids, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Yoga Journal, Quarto Group, The Wall Street Journal, The Reader's Digest, Scholastic, Imaginarium, Family Fun Disney

Read more

Sectors


Editorial, Press, Books, Textile and Characters for Animation

Read more

Awards


  • Communication Arts, Maggie Awards, Poster Book Fair in Valencia

Marta Antelo

Your pronouns:
She/ her

How do you define your identity? Do you identify with (or advocate for) any marginalized communities?
I believe that every artist should identify with, empathize with or at least stand up for all minorities. We are a humanist collective.

Where is home?
Where people around you makes you feel well.

Describe your illustration style in one sentence:
Colorful and positive with simple shapes and flatten perspective.

What lights your soul on fire?
Art, music, cinema, friends, love…

What themes do you enjoy exploring in your illustrations?
All themes are welcome. Attitude is all to afford anything.

What techniques do you use?
I use to do the sketches with pencil and then digital.

How much of yourself and your own story can we see in your work?
You can see me mostly in the color palette and characters attitude.

Is there an unmistakable thread in your creative work?
There’s a continuity in my style.

What do you want to be known for?
I like illustrating books as is a kind of immortality.

Which projects excite you most?
Those addressed to children, for magazines or books.

What is your dream gig?
Any client but with a great art director and good deadline and of course good budget!

Where, when and how do you best create?
I like listen music or radio to maintain concentration.

How has your style evolved since you started?
Technology has influenced my work. In the beginning I used to use scanning manual textures, these has been substituted by digital tools.

What do you find most challenging in your practice or in the illustration industry?
Manage many assignments at time. Sometimes three or more.

How as being an illustrator changed your life?
I always have worked as illustrator so I don’t know. Anyway work as illustrator allowed me combine my maternity with my work and pass lot of time with my family.

Name a tool you can’t live without!
The IPad Pro.

Tell us about a project you worked on that was meaningful to you as an artist:
In 2007 I received a call from California, with my poor english! it was from National Geographic Kids, they wanted I do some characters for an animated serie, it was wonderful working together with animators, musician and a big team of people. Very exciting experience.

What influences or inspires your art?
All around me, my life, the books I read, music, fashion and the work of other artists.

What would you tell your younger self?
I was a bit workaholic, there are other things more important around you.

Why do you think art speaks louder than words?
Well, words are also a big punch like art but I always have been more closer to art, this contains colors, shapes and streak.

Illustrating the future

We work with the world's most brilliant and visionary creatives to bring the boldest concepts to life.

Discover all our artists
Styles
Artists