Explore Nature with Asia Orlando and her Customized Lomo'Instant Automat

After charming us with a beautiful jungle-themed customization of her La Sardina DIY, the Spanish illustrator Asia Orlando is back to delight us with a new custom camera, a Lomo'Instant Automat inspired by forest flora and fauna with cozy autumn vibes. Read the interview and watch her YouTube video below to learn more about the artistic process behind this artwork and her work as an illustrator.

Hello Asia, welcome back to our magazine! Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

Thank you! I’m Asia Orlando, an artist and illustrator with a deep passion for both art and nature. I work on a wide range of projects, from book illustrations and magazines to toys, games, advertising, posters and product packaging. I've worked with some fantastic clients, including Disney, National Geographic, Hachette, or Penguin Random House. Currently, I’m based in Amsterdam.

When did you start your journey as an illustrator?

My journey in art began in childhood, encouraged by my parents and further developed through my studies. After working in interior architecture studios for a few years, I realized that while I enjoyed some aspects of that field, I needed something more artistically fulfilling. This led me to make the leap into illustration. Starting from scratch, I built a portfolio and although it was challenging, it’s been incredibly rewarding. Now, illustration is my career as well as my passion. My artistic journey has been filled with amazing experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

We love your customization of our Lomo'Instant Automat Camera Bora Bora edition! Where did you find inspiration for the artwork?

Thank you! My inspiration came from my love for nature and my sense of humor. Living in the city, I often miss the forest, so I incorporated woodland elements, like my favorite little thief, the raccoon, along with other natural motifs into the design. I chose bright colors with a hint of autumn but avoided the typical fall palette to keep it fresh and energizing. This playful approach added a whimsical touch to the camera, making the project a joy to work on.

What technique did you use to personalize the camera?

The customization of the Lomo'Instant Automat Camera Bora Bora was my second customization of a Lomography camera and this time around I wanted to do something completely different. I created the illustrations digitally, which is my preferred medium for client work, and then printed them on matte sticker paper. I imagined this camera coming with a set of stickers, allowing users to add something personal to their cameras easily and quickly, creating a unique look each time. I gave myself the freedom to play around with the stickers, hiding a bigger illustration on the back and using smaller motifs on the front. The camera even got a compliment from a stranger when I took it to the park for some photos!

You usually include elements from the natural world in your drawings, as you did with the Lomo'Instant Automat. How would you describe your style as an illustrator, and how did you discover and develop it?

That’s true! Nature has always been a constant inspiration for me, along with my interest in folklore and whimsy. As a neurodivergent person, I've always had a special bond with nature, especially animals, and I think that’s pretty evident in my work. It’s a source of inspiration that has stayed with me over the years, and I don’t see it changing anytime soon. My style is definitely vibrant and detailed; I love blending bold colors with intricate details, inviting viewers to look closer and discover little stories in each piece. Over time, I’ve developed this style by exploring different techniques and letting my curiosity and passion for storytelling shape my work. My goal is to create worlds that feel lively and fun, with a narrative woven into every piece. I’m excited to see how my style will continue to evolve!

In your last YouTube vlog, you show us what a cozy fall day as an illustrator looks like to you. What is your favorite part of the day?

My favorite part of the day is when I hit a creative flow, where the outside world fades, and I’m completely immersed in my work. And this can happen at anytime. Whether it’s sketching new ideas or refining details, that uninterrupted creative time is my favorite part of every day as a full-time artist.

Is there anything you would like to share with the Lomography community?

Yes! I’d love to encourage everyone to play with customization and make their gear truly their own. Little touches can bring a lot of joy and personality to your everyday items. Also, for anyone interested, I share a lot of tips on the illustration process and freelance life on my YouTube channel – including a behind-the-scenes look at this camera customization! It’s all about enjoying the creative process, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun.

Thank you Asia for your beautiful artwork and for sharing your thoughts! Check out her work on Instagram, YouTube and on her website.

written by ludovicazen on 2024-11-28 #gear #people #videos #collaboration #customized #customize #lomo-instant-automat #original-artwork