In Burgos! A small city in the North of Spain, known for its cold weather (and yes, it’s true 😛).
Alumni Stories – Lorena G
Where were you born?
Where do you live?
I’ve been living in Barcelona ever since I came here to do my Master’s at Elisava twelve years ago.
What did you study at Elisava?
Design and Art Direction.
Where do you work?
I’ve been a freelance illustrator for 8 years 🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻 and lately, I’ve been working a lot with an animation studio in Vancouver 🇨🇦, where I’m learning so much and truly enjoying the experience. They’re called Ordinary Folk, and they’re the best!
What has your professional journey been like?
I started out working at a multidisciplinary boutique studio in Madrid, where I learned a ton (we did everything from branding, art direction, and web design to exhibition installations and even window dressing!). Then I moved to Barcelona to study my Master’s at Elisava, and right after finishing, I joined a larger advertising agency where I was involved in creating various campaigns. The great thing about working in two such different places is that it gave me a more well-rounded view of the industry. It was then that I realized my true passion is illustration. So, I decided to take the leap and become a freelance illustrator. The best decision I ever made!
What does design mean to you?
Design, to me, is like the language of ideas. It’s about doing things with more care and intention.
Who inspires you professionally?
So many people! Most of the people I follow on social media, the people I currently work with inspire me every day, and my husband! He’s a landscape designer 🌿, but honestly, I love finding inspiration everywhere—nature, music, food…
How would you describe your time at Elisava?
My time at Elisava was a period filled with learning and great friendships. Those were intense years where I discovered my true vocation and met incredible people who I still keep in touch with today.
What has left the biggest mark on you from what you learned at Elisava?
A phrase from Jordi Cano that has always stuck with me is: “Against the straight line.” It taught me that growth isn’t a straight and predictable path from point A to point B, but rather a spiral process full of twists, growing exponentially.
A piece of advice:
“Spiral out, keep going”
A future challenge:
To keep staying true to myself and doing what makes me happy! 😀