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Meet Adela!

Adela is an illustrator/graphic designer from Venezuela. She is now creating beautiful work here in Atlanta. I had the best time chatting it up with this girl boss! Not only is she super talented, she has the cutest style. I knew I was going to like Adela when I first met her. Anyone who loves red lipstick as much as I do is good in my book!

Check out more about Adela!

photo: Valheria Rocha

video: Starks Film

creative: Adela Pons

What do you love about ATL?

There are many things I love about this city… To start with, it has quickly become a home far from home. Its growing art scene and community are very welcoming and there are valuable opportunities for new artists that could be hard to find in other places. I’m also madly in love with the Fox Theater and the lovely houses around Midtown, Inman Park, and Virginia Highlands.

How would you describe your style?

Comfy and practical, but feminine as well. I like having fun with my clothes, but I’m also very classical in some aspects. In the creative field, we as artists are not expected to follow a particular rule when it comes to our look, and that’s one of the many things I love about what I do. Also sneakers > high heels.

What’s your favorite piece in your wardrobe?

RED LIPSTICK. Without a single doubt. I don’t need a “special occasion” to put on some red lipstick. It makes me feel great when I do, so why wouldn’t I wear it all the time? Perfume is also very important for me. My mom taught me to wear perfume even if I'm just going to bed, and I do it every single day.

Why Illustration?

Why not? I have so much fun illustrating sometimes I can’t believe people pay me for it. I’m also a graphic designer, and I can’t really turn one off when I’m working on the other one, so I decided to embrace the fact that I’m both, and I love it! Getting the chance to illustrate a book and also be in charge of the design process of it is one of the most rewarding things in life.

Tell me about your style of work?

My style is very fun, colorful, and children-driven. I have a really good time when I work, and I think that’s something you can tell by seeing the result. I love drawing cities, kids, crazy food, and puppies. I’m also not a big fan of making a mess, so my process is almost entirely digital. I start with a pencil sketch, and right after that it’s all digital. It’s all the fun minus the mess.

Who/what inspires you as a creative?

I’m driven by the things I’m passionate about, whether it’s music or social and political issues. Even if those aren’t topics I work on, I believe what happens around us is always a source of inspiration. I love being around movers and shakers, because being among creative people makes a world of difference when I'm looking for inspiration.

Is there a message you want to convey with your work?

GIRL POWER! I’m a firm believer that girls rule this world. But besides that, I really just want to make people smile with what I do; the world is already too full of hate.

Are you working on any upcoming new projects? If so, what?

Always! I’m currently working on a series of illustrated children’s books that I can’t say much yet- it involves drawing a lot of city landscapes and babies; so Dream Project alert! I also like to participate in a lot of design challenges and competitions around town. I have an endless list of personal projects that I tackle whenever I have some free time.

Meet Hasani!

Where do I begin when talking about Hasani?! I met Hasani back in 2012 when I first started at SCAD. At the time, I was his academic adviser. He was one of the first students that I met. In comes this young, mild-mannered, soft soften guy with dreads. He opened his mouth and I heard the accent and when he told me he was from St. Thomas, I just instantly knew I would like him! It has been such a pleasure to watch him grow into the young man he is today. He first started off as an illustration major. He reminded me the other day of how he came to change his major to painting. He came to see me one day and expressed his interest in painting and he was a little hesitant about what to do. I told him to just take the painting class and see how things go and then we will take it from there. Well, he took that class and fell in love! Hasani hasn't put down the paint brush since! What I love most about his work is the color, he is so intentional with his color. I had the best time chatting with Hasani about his work and I can't wait to see what else the future hold for him. He has an awesome project happening this week so check out a little more about Hasani!

WHY PAINTING?

Making art comes natural for me. It’s like my second language. The more I create the more fluent I become in speaking this language.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR STYLE OF WORK?

It’s very difficult for me to put my work into a stylistic category. Mainly because my work changes constantly and also because there are so many ideas that I want to explore. Maybe one day I’ll be able to look back and say “my work fits in this category” but for now I just focus on doing what feels right.

WHO/ WHAT INSPIRES YOU AS A CREATIVE?

I’m inspired by basically everything. Recently, I’ve been inspired by Jazz and Hip Hop. Also, the way people interpret religious texts and themes have always been pretty interesting to me. I love watching 90’s pro wrestling so that has been an influence on my work as well.

photo credit: Valheria Rocha

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT ATL?

I love how easy it is to get to know everyone. During my time here I have gained so many new family members.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

I would describe my style similarly to how I would describe myself; comfortable, confident and laid-back.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE IN YOUR WARDROBE?

I love any piece that has paint splattered. That makes me feel at home. My “Lost in the Mood” shirt is also a favorite. It is a piece of exclusive memorabilia from the collection that Nigel Xavier and I created.

IS THERE A MESSAGE YOU WANT TO CONVEY IN YOUR WORK?

Sometimes messages get in the way of the work so I try not to think about them too much. However, as an artist it is important for me to always create work from a real place. I believe that the audience is able to gauge sincerity. I look for that in other artists’ work so I assume that others do as well.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING PROJECT?

I have a few projects in the works. I will be participating in a “work-week performance” with Amanda Grae Platner entitled, “Biparisan”. We will live and work in a gallery space for 5 consecutive days. We will paint with one another for 16 hours a day while being completely silent. We will take turns choosing materials for each other as we work towards creating a successful piece. I am also excited about preparing for my solo exhibition later on this year.

Style Date with Adela