The star of today’s instalment of #MeetTheContributor is Paula Sanz Caballero, an artist and a fashion illustrator. Her work elegantly combines the immediacy and sophistication of illustration and design with the high-quality results that come from her technique and careful layout.

Paula Sanz Caballero

Her illustrations have been used in advertising and publishing campaigns across the globe for prestigious firms such as Neiman Marcus, Chie Mihara and Harper Collins, and she is also a regular contributor to Selvedge. 

Published bi-monthly, Selvedge offers the world’s finest textile photography and unparalleled design. Every issue features stunning imagery and in-depth commentary, offering readers insight into the fascinating uses of fabric by cultures around the world. 

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Without further ado, let’s hear from Paula!

1. How did you first get into art & fashion illustrating as a career? 

I was a painter when I got my first commission from Vogue Spain. From then on, there were fashion illustration projects non stop, so I never thought of being a fashion illustrator, nor I studied to become one, it just happened.

2. What is the most important thing you have learnt over the course of your career? 

That you have to learn to say NO to projects that you are not identified with. To only accept projects where your point of view and your style is going to be respected. In my point of view, it is the only way to be proud and happy with the work I do.

3. What do you find to be the most challenging part of your job? 

Controlling human anatomy so that nothing more is needed in the illustration. The central part of my illustrations is the human figure. If the pose, the anatomy and the presence of the character works, then nothing else is needed and all the secondary elements such as clothing or decoration elements will not affect the core of the drawing.

‘Drawn in’ from Issue 22 of Selvedge, with illustrations by Paula Sanz Caballero

4. What are you working on at the moment? 

I am about to start paintings for two boutique hotels in Valencia, hall, restaurant….everything.

5. When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your free time? 

I read a lot, I love redecorating places and discovering old stuff both in family and friends’ closets and antique shops. Giving a second usage to furniture pieces, shoes, clothes…that is so much fun for me.

6. Do you have a particular favourite issue of Selvedge? 

I loved working on the Balenciaga article, so that issue is a special one for me.

‘Cristobel Balenciaga’ from Issue 69 of Selvedge, illustrated by Paula Sanz Caballero

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Thanks so much for participating in our series, Paula. It’s fascinating to hear about your work!

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