Santiago Legarreta, popularly known as DesignGeo, is an illustrator and digital artist who graduated from the European Institute of Design, with a Blended Master in Brand Design.
Over the years, he has developed an artistic style arising from influences from Pop Art and Cubism. Each of his compositions are created from geometric figures thus developing iconic characters, animals, and luxury items.
Having achieved international renown over the years, he has been commissioned for high-profile projects with luxury brands and also to develop custom pieces for famous people such as American record producer Scott Storch and Arsenal footballer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. We sit down with the artist to talk about his brand, processes, and his hopes for the future.
How was the DesignGeo brand born?
DesignGeo came about after having started my studies in Graphic Design back in 2010 and as time went by, my interest in Pop Art and illustration began to grow. That prompted me to want to learn and improve myself, so I began to create illustrations practically every day that I was sharing on the profiles of my social networks such as Behance, Instagram and Facebook. The views, the likes and the increase in followers were happening by themselves, and the rest is history.
All the opportunities that have arisen along this path, whether in the creation of pieces for celebrities, collaborations with big brands or particular developments for private collectors throughout the world, I owe it to my followers and supporters!
Tell us a bit about the process you undertake to create your designs?
When it comes to carrying out my creative process, the main thing is to open my mind and let creativity fly. Inspiration and reference searching is also very important and always help take ideas one step further.
I usually start with both paper and digital sketches before moving to Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator design programs. After having the illustrations created, I proceed to the development of the canvas and thus the idea ends up being exclusive wall art.
Why is the theme of your creations related to the world of luxury?
I have always liked exotic cars and designer watches in particular, however, the themes that inspire me are usually varied. I use different aspects and elements of luxury life to inspire me and create unique and exclusive pieces.
I had the great opportunity to collaborate with brands like Bomberg, MCT Watches and Parmigiani Fleurier, and as the years go by there is nothing more beautiful than being able to combine my passions with my work.
What makes DesignGeo stand out from the rest?
The difference that DesignGeo has is that they are unique designer pieces, which convey the luxury and desire for an exclusive lifestyle.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your profession?
As I mentioned before, the fact of working with great brands in the world of watchmaking and the opportunity I had to create a personalised portrait for the soccer star Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. Those opportunities are what motivate me to keep improving day after day.
Also, giving me the opportunity to meet many people around the world and even to share things beyond my work.
What are your future plans and dreams for DesignGeo?
Dreams and goals to achieve – many! But if I had to focus on one in particular, it would certainly be to have my gallery. A space where I can exhibit all my work and where people can come to discover more about the process and behind the scenes of each of my creations, interact and have a good time discovering the DesignGeo world.
Factbox
Web: designgeoart.com
Instagram: instagram.com/designgeo/
