About André Sanchez
Born in 1972 in Lesquin, north of France, André grew up near Bordeaux in the
countryside, southwest corner of France.
André started the illustration as a freelancer about 9 years ago. He is passionate about photography and graphic design, especially of the indie music label scene, in particular by the works of Dave McKean and Vaughan Oliver.
His first work was published for the french newspaper Le Monde, and then
mainly worked for the press and publishing which led him to the fashion and
advertising the likes of Vogue Japan and Sony Music France.
In His Own Words
"The illustration allows me to express myself rather freely, offering a very rich panel
of possibility. I can play at the same time with the collage, the graphics, the
typography and the diverse associations of ideas. Furthermore, I can work from my
home without having to move. I also like to work on my own projects. Work on the
study of a topic, to make research, to raise sources of inspiration and to make
photos in studio with a team if I need. The photography is essentially the base of my
illustration's works."
Jonathan: Hi André, after reading about your career to date, the first thing I
wondered was, when did you realize you wanted to be an artist?
André: Quite late in fact, when I arrived in Paris ten years ago. I started doing
digital collages a mix of photos, textures and typography, as Dave McKean
and Vaughan Oliver, two fabulous graphic designers, which I appreciated their
work through album covers.
I took great pleasure in making these digital collages, and step by step it
took more time in my life. I began to have more order of illustrations for
magazines and publishing house. Then I made exhibitions and fashion
photography. This is the day I got my first agent, I realized that I wanted to
an illustrator.
Jonathan: As you were developing artistically in school was there a favorite teacher,
friend or mentor that meant a lot to you? Could you tell us a little about
them?
André: I was not very good pupil at school, just doing the bare minimum. It is the later
that I saw an interest in art. When I was 20, I had a girlfriend who was at the
School of Fine Art in Bordeaux (France). She knew me awake at art. I visit art
galleries, museums, I was blown away by the Louvre, and step by step to modern
art and contemporary art. I think, I could say there was ten year I am
interested in art before starting to make myself illustrations. I am self
taught, I can not really say I had a mentor, or my best friend who is an
incredible art director and know guide me, pushing, shoving me in my work!
Jonathan: Your first job as an Illustrator for the newspaper Le Monde. Could you tell
us the story of how that happened?
André: It was a huge surprise. In fact, when I started making collages, I did not imagine it would begin a career in illustration and even less so, to be able to sell it. I put these collages on a blog which luckily was visited by one of the artistic
directors of Le Monde. She loved what I was doing and I was asked to do a
portrait of a scientist in the style of my collages. It was therefore my first
illustration for a magazine.
Jonathan: I often wondered what it be like to work with an agent? How has having
representative changed your career?
André: My first agent in France changed many things for me. It made me to realize the quality of my work. Told me many believed in me, saying that I had a lot
of talent. It changed me a lot, because before I had a very amateurish approach to
my work. With him, I became a professional. The presentation of my book, my
website, my "image" somehow transformed into a professional. To have omeone who
believes in your work, your potential, it changes a lot of things. But do not believe that an agent will do everything for you. You must work and
work continually.
My experience with a second agent in France was catastrophic. But it made me realize that I
needed to continue my own efforts on the side business and also meet potential clients,
art buyers, artistic directors. Continue to do my own marketing... An agent
does not do everything for you but for him, so one must continue to rely on oneself as well.
Now, I have an agent for Germany (Caroline Seidler), and everything is perfect.
She is doing a very good job and good with her clients and promoting their
artists. And I do the same in France, for me!
Jonathan: In working, what is more essential, a good routine or lots of variety?
André: I do not think there can be a routine for an illustrator. At least for me, it
is not possible. I always want novelty, discovery, learning new things for me.
Imagine an illustration and design it, it will take you on a lot of new paths. I constantly question myself for progress' sake, to shake myself up, otherwise... it becomes a
form of repetition and routine. This is not something I like. But maybe one
day, weariness will set in, and I might fall into a kind of routine. Let's hope not.
Jonathan: In parting, André, I just want to thank you for your time and say how much I
enjoyed discovering your work. One last question. What advice would you give to
someone starting a career as an illustrator?
André: Work hard, but above all, love what we do. Do not be afraid of criticism, learn
to trust yourself. Be surrounded by good people. Work from experience. Be open to learning, always learn, and play sports!
STEP 1: Using the Magic Wand tool I quickly blocked out a layer mask. After, I tweaked it with "Refine Edge" and a small round brush (on the mask layer).
