Introducing The Interview with an Artist Series, where we’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at different Début Art artists. Today’s featured artist is Alan Berry Rhys, a graphic artist and illustrator based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His work is inspired by vintage graphic advertising, and he often uses screen-printing, risograph, and painting in his work. In today’s interview, you’ll find out more about Alan’s inspirations, process, and see some of his latest work. 

Debut Art: Could you share a bit about the brief and your process behind your latest project for Sabores?

Alan Berry Rhys: The product is a mandioca snack. Mandioca is a root produced on Argentina’s north east region, the area where there is a huge tropical forest and the Paraná River. The brief was to create a package design based on that natural environment. I chose the toucan because of its’ beak, and the rest is an interpretation of the landscape. I also added some locally inspired lettering.

DA: What is inspiring you right now?

ABR: I love low-fi graphics and hand painted signs. The kind of graphics that are not produced by a professional academic that studied graphic design or illustration, really. I collect all kinds of prints, small flyers, packaging, old stylers, flags, and boxes in my studio as everyday inspiration. 

DA: What editorial project are you most proud of this year?

ABR: I think that would be Only in America, because it is a book that celebrates people doing things in a different, non-conventional way. 

DA: Who is the client you’d most like to work for? What Is your dream project?

ABR: Patagonia, because I love being in the outdoors. Nike is also a brand I’ve always wanted to work with. More animation projects would be nice. I’ve been getting into animation for the last 2 years and it’s something that I would love to be able to develop on a huge campaign. I think my recent project for Johnnie Blonde is an example of the perfect way of working, creating a universe of posters, where I was free to play and explore. I’d love all projects to be like that, hahaha.

Image 1: Illustration for Kung Fu Wine.
Image 2: Product design + illustration for Nuestro Sabores.
Image 3: Book cover design for Quarto Knows. Available for pre-order now.
Image 4: Illustration for LIVE BAIT exhibition at Coningsby Gallery. Screenprint available for purchase.