Illi Ferandez - Artist & UI Designer

Illi Ferandez is an artist and illustrator based in Chicago. Inspired by a trip to the Philippines in 2017, Illi started an instagram page focused on her illustrations. She thoughtfully plans and refines the details that go into each illustration. Her pieces hold a clear vision and distinct color palette, with themes ranging from beautiful Filipina figures, lush tropical landscapes, the diversity of the Philippines, and celebrate the beauty of brown skin. “From the start I wanted to have an overarching theme that centered around Filipino culture because I felt like there wasn't any art made for us.” There’s an embracing of the culture and the morenas prominently seen in Illi’s work which many Filipinas find empowering. Illi pursued art and challenged herself to learn new techniques and grow, she has an upcoming collab with a Filipino clothing label and more merch coming.

illiferandezart.com
@illiferandezart

How did you create your career path? Were you always interested in art, illustrations?
I've been drawing since I was a kid, tracing anime characters, then refining my style throughout HS and college. I'm not a full-time illustrator by any means. I actually work as a UI Designer at an ad agency, but art is something I do on the side to quell my anxiety and feel fulfilled creatively. I started my art page in 2017 as a way to get back into illustration after not drawing consistently for 8 years. I'd just gotten back from a trip to the Philippines and felt an overwhelming wave of inspiration from the experiences I had there. So I began drawing again, building a visual identity and started putting work out on Instagram to get a feel from the audience. Through practice and constant experimentation, I've created a very distinct look that encapsulates my vision and perspective on the world.

Were you parents supportive of your choice to pursue an education and career in the arts?
In the beginning, no. My mom would say I'd end up homeless if I pursued art, or that art was only for rich white people, which wasn't very helpful. That shit hurt back then but looking at it now, I knew she just wanted me to have a stable career. I did use my frustration as a way to prove my mom wrong. So after making art consistently since 2017 and being featured in the NY Times, she now understands that this is something that can support me financially. The thing with Asian parents is, they won't believe you unless you show them and I showed her that Filipinos can find success in the arts. I love my mom and her saying those things lit a fire up my ass to take my art seriously. Just to be clear, I'm not advocating for toxic Filipino culture at all. I am however, all for channeling negativity into something positive.

What are themes in your practice? And what influences your work?
My themes usually revolve around Filipina figures, our diverse culture as a country, and tropical landscapes. My influences are all over the place: anime, post-impressionist art, graphic design and really anything that catches my eye. Recently, I've been looking into Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock art. 

The colors you use are very vivid and distinct, is this part of your signature style?
Definitely. For me, color is king and before I created my drawing style, I dedicated a good portion of time brainstorming colors that harmonized well with each other to evoke a certain feeling. Regardless of what piece I'm creating, almost everyone can instantly recognize my color palette.

When did you begin creating Filipina inspired art? How has that been received by the Filipinx diaspora?
From the start I wanted to have an overarching theme that centered around Filipino culture because I felt like there wasn't any art made for us. The reception has been overwhelmingly positive. A lot of people are connecting to the art I put out because it speaks to them, especially morenas who once battled with their skin color. In the current political/social landscape that we're in right now, a lot of POCs are hungry for content that caters directly to them because it's empowering and makes them feel seen. I’m thankful for every person who reached out to me saying how much my art has given them confidence, pride or made them feel beautiful.

What are some of your favorite mediums to work in?
For the most part, I do a lot of my illustrations on my ipad using Procreate or Photoshop because I can work faster. But every now and then, when my eyes bug out, I'll work with acryla gouache or acrylic paints on paper or canvas because that's where I got my start.

Who/what has been instrumental in your personal and creative growth?
Getting older, not really caring about what people think and doing my own thing has helped me a ton. Challenging myself to learn new art techniques and getting out of my comfort zone are also very important for growth. Also practicing mindfulness meditation is a big one.

Do you have any upcoming designs, projects that you are excited about?
Yes, I'm working closely with a prominent Filipino clothing label on a collab that will be released in a few months. I'm not sure how much detail I can divulge but keep an eye out for that!

I'm also looking to make some t-shirt designs, rolling trays and totes so we'll see how that goes. 


Photos and images courtesy of Illi Ferandez