Ctrl Z and Beyond with Alejo Giraldo

January 21, 2025

Meet Alejo Giraldo, a versatile illustrator and designer who thrives on the unpredictability of his creative journey, embracing the magic of not knowing what tomorrow holds. His creativity is fuelled by the world around him, with strong influences from street art, pop culture, and graphic design, which make his illustrations instantly recognisable and endlessly engaging.

When did you first know that you wanted to be an artist, and how did your journey into the creative industry begin?

When I was at high school I spent my time drawing cartoons, I didn’t pay attention to my teacher, I just loved drawing. At that time my mother signed me up for an art course: oils, acrylics, pastels. So I learned some stuff about classic art, then I finished high school and decided to study graphic design but specialised in illustration.

I ended up working in a clothing brand for kids and learned how the business works.

What artists or art movements have inspired you during your creative journey?

What a hard question! It’s almost impossible to name all the artists who have influenced my work. Just to name a few: Wes Anderson, Leo Espinosa, Alex Trochut, Aryz and a lot of local artists who are also friends.

If I had to choose a movement, I’d say surrealism and pop art.

What mediums do you typically use in your work - analogue tools like pens and paints, or digital tools like tablets and design software? If you use a combination of both, which do you prefer and why?

I use digital tools, I have a Mac and a Wacom Cintiq, which is my favourite. I also have a tablet to use when I leave the studio, just for sketching or simple stuff. I just prefer digital tools because they are easier to use and have a bunch of possibilities like Ctrl Z.

What are your biggest creative inspirations? Do you draw influence from your environment, music, books, films, or something else?

Mostly I draw inspiration from my environment and the people surrounding me. From conversations, to short walks. I love to pay attention to little details, things that start to repeat and that no one else notices.

I’m inspired by music as well, I hear a song and start to imagine the lyrics as if they were illustrations, especially if the lyrics touch me somehow.

I try to get inspiration from people that do different stuff from what I do, I don’t like to watch a lot of illustrators, because I end up doing the same stuff, instead I look for movies, photographers, chefs or anything that inspires me to create. I think inspiration is the biggest gift you can give to an artist.

As an artist who creates illustrations, animations, and also runs your own fashion brand, which aspect of your work is your favourite, and what makes it stand out for you?

I don’t have a favourite thing to do, but I get tired if I do the same thing every day. Because of that, one day I'm drawing a character, the next day I’m designing a T-shirt and the next day I’m painting a mural. That’s the thing I love the most about my wide range. What I’m gonna do tomorrow? I have no idea! That’s the magic of my work.

You've done some amazing projects, tell us about some of your favourite commissions or collaborations so far.

There are two projects that have a special place in my heart, the first one was the collaboration with Porter Japan. I had the opportunity of designing some bags and also I had a little exhibition of my work in one of their stores in Tokyo. I travelled there for vacations and visited the store, I cried of happiness.

The second one is a workshop I did with Vans in Mexico City, it was great! I love teaching, I love Vans and I love Mexico, so it was a dream come true.

You’re already working across multiple creative fields, including art and fashion. Do you see yourself expanding into any other fields in the future?

Yes! I’d like to go back to my beginnings and paint oils again, I’m really missing the analogue side of my work, the mistakes, the freedom of the brush, the smell of oils!
Also, I’d love to direct a short film :)

What would your dream project or collaboration look like?

Nike! I just admire that brand so much. Maybe designing a shoe or a t-shirt, or doing illustrations for their look books.