ANA BENAROYA / INTERVIEW

Ana Benaroya is an illustrator, typographer, and designer; but above all, a decent human being.This is quite possibly her proudest accomplishment to date. When not drawing, screen-printing, or Photoshop-ing, Ana can be found consuming large amounts of hot sauce, usually along with a turkey sandwich of sorts. Her work has been honored by American Illustration, The Society of Illustrators, and the PRINT Regional Design Annual. She has worked with clients such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Nickelodeon Magazine, WILCO, Marc Ecko, Newsweek, Time Out New York, Computer Arts Project, Scholz & Friends...

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Describe yourself with 10 words.

Quiet, calm, introverted, secretly strange, eccentric, awkward, loyal, determined, listener.

Describe your work with 10 words

Colorful, emotional, expressive, humorous, sexual, tense, adolescent, childlike, honest, natural.

Who´s the first artist/photographer that comes to your mind first?

Jean-Michel Basquiat. I discovered his work in college and fell in love with him and his work when I watched a documentary on him several years ago (The Radiant Child). It is perfectly honest and expressive, something I strive for in my work. When hearing him speak he seemed too soft for this world...even though his work was loud and aggressive.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, where do you come from and where is your journey going to?

I am a freelance illustrator and designer, living in Jersey City, close to NYC. I love to observe people and the world around me and think about the meaning of life. I am most comfortable staying in my own head with my own thoughts. I cannot predict where my life is going but I hope to be able to create all my life. It is what gives my life meaning and a huge party of my identity...I can't imagine existing without this ability.

How would you describe your style?

I never liked the idea of style...I think style comes from just being yourself, not fitting yourself neatly into one category. I do not fit easily into any one category, though there are similarities that appear across all my work. This might be why certain art directors choose not to work with me, they can't predict exactly what I'm going to do. But if you can predict exactly what an artist is going to make and how they are going to interpret something...what is the point? I think you should hire someone for their mind, not their style.

Your house is on fire, what do you save?

As many sketchbooks and paintings that I can grab.

Something you want the world to know about you?

My artwork can say more than I ever could with words. But my personality is probably not what you would assume it would be if you only saw my work. It is loud and in your face and I am quiet and non-confrontational.

Tell us a song that has haunted you.

Rufus Wainwright - Hallelujah

What keeps you motivated and inspires you go to on every day?

I know that if I don't keep making things I will become depressed. Nothing else can calm me, give me peace, or give me purpose like drawing or painting.

What did you want to be with 13?

I always wanted to be an artist.

How have you handled the business side of being an artist?

I have been very proactive with promoting myself and getting in touch with art directors and designers. I have handled everything myself thus far...and I kinda like it that way. No agent has ever promoted me better than I have myself.

What can we accept from you in 2012, any concrete plans?

I am creating a body of paintings on florescent paper that I would like to have a gallery show with. I am seeking a gallery to represent me...this is a goal for 2012.

italian or chinese?

Chinese.