Interview by Jimon

His name is Fernando Volken Togni an artist who is in love with geometry/color and the Brazilian culture, his work is so delectable that if you could eat it you would.

1] Where did you grow up?
I was born in Roca Sales, a small town in Southern Brazil and currently I live in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

2] Did you know you wanted to be a graphic artist as a kid?
From the time I was a kid I liked drawing. My parents noticed that and they always gave me a lot of colored pencils, crayons and sheets.

3] Did you attend an art school? Which one?
I attended Unisinos University where I discovered and studied art and graphic design.

4] What or who has had the most influence on your work?
Mainly vectors and geometric shapes. I couldn’t tell you what is my main inspiration. I just know I like to observe the details of things, the intricate elements. I like to illustrate quotidian stuff and use some elements of cities, nature, and mystic symbols.

5] What do you usually start with?
Geometric vectors and a blank canvas.

6] In your work do you draw a line between art and graphic design or are they just different parts of the same creature?
I believe they are not the same, but they can work together, both have a message to convey. Both express something. But, for me, design is a little bit more commercial and functional. However, illustration gets closer to fine art or interpretation of it. I think an illustrator could succeed as a graphic designer easier than the reverse.

7] What principles and rules do you use for creating your art?
I always try to organize elements as they can live with harmony of shapes and colors. I like to use contrasts: a guide color such as black, vibrant colors to give life to the illustration and other midtone colors to reinforce the balance between the darkest and the lightest colors. I like to make shapes that fit inside each other searching for an “organized chaos.”

8] Give me a list of five things in your studio you can not live without?
A computer, a window, a pencil, paper, and music.

9] Do you have a favorite artist?
I love lots of artists. Jasper Goodall, Geneviève Gauckler, Steven Harrington, Bruno Paoli, Siggi Eggertsson, Sanna Annuka, Ryan McGinley, and the genious Marian Bantjes and Stephan Sagmeister. There are lots of others.

10] How do you choose the colors in each of your creations?
I always use black to start. Then I choose three or four colors to make the composition.

11] Looking at all the work you have done, do you have a favorite?
I like patterns a lot. I made a Mini Cooper car wrap (see accross), the Flash Mini. But I am currently working on new projects that I am in love with. Will be out soon.

12] What impact would you most want to see emerge from your work?
I would love if one sees my illustration and smiles. I think illustrating is about conveying a message or spreading a feeling.