INTERVIEW
Introducing Kezia Gabriella
We're super pleased to welcome character illustrator Kezia Gabriella to the Grand Matter roster.
Kezia brings people's stories to life with dynamic and nuanced compositions, exploring the joys and mundanities of daily living, spotlighting human relationships with a sense of fun and spirit. With roots in design and art direction, she has a practiced eye for layout, bringing together her bold character based pieces with geometric shapes, layers, textures and animation.
As well as co-founding and running illustration lab and store ANTINORMAL, Kezia collaborates with a range of Global clients, including Apple, Nike, The Washington Post, WeTransfer, and The New York Times, and many more.
To introduce her way of working in more detail, we spoke with Kezia about her journey to where she is now as an artist, creating chaotic harmony and what she likes to draw for fun + more!
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I draw inspiration from people and their emotions, and I like capturing them through dynamic geometric shapes and fluid gestures.
– Kezia Gabriella
How would you describe your work in one sentence?
My work is a vibrant and playful celebration of everyday life, with vibrant colours, abstract shapes, and humorous characters, creating a chaotic yet harmonious visual experience.
What are your main influences or inspirations as an artist?
I draw inspiration from people and their emotions, and I like capturing them through dynamic geometric shapes and fluid gestures. The comical and exaggerated nature of cartoons from my childhood – like Looney Tunes, Samurai Jack, and One Piece – influence the design of my characters and environments. I also love drawing abstract buildings, rooms, and houses, elements that exude a sense of rigidity, structure, and wholeness.
Can you sum up your journey as an artist to where you are now?
I used to work full time as an art director in the advertising and design industry. But in 2019, I took a leap of faith and left my job to be a full-time artist. This big shift has opened so many doors that allowed me to collaborate with amazing individuals and teams, and constantly challenging myself to embrace the freedom and unpredictability that comes with being an illustrator.
How do you create your pieces?
For my commercial work, I primarily work with a drawing tablet for the entire creative process – from loose sketches to colour blocking and final details. Additionally, I occasionally add subtle animations into my illustrations, breathing some life into them.
When you’re not working digitally, what mediums and practices do you like to explore?
Contrary to my vibrant digital pieces, I find solace in creating black and white artworks using sumi ink. I love the texture and versatility of ink washes that creates unpredictable forms that are so rich and full of character.
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I would love the opportunity to work on packaging design, furniture, or dinnerware –projects that offer a tactile and hands-on experience.
– Kezia Gabriella
Can you tell us about ANTINORMAL?
ANTINORMAL is a creative lab, run by both myself and my husband, Nicholas. It serves as our outlet for experimentation across various projects, including illustration, animation, branding, design, and merchandise. It’s a space for us to enjoy exploring different creative avenues and learning new stuff along the way.
And finally, who are your bucket list clients, projects, or dream collaborations?
I would love the opportunity to work on packaging design, furniture, or dinnerware – projects that offer a tactile and hands-on experience. Collaborating with brands in these fields would be a dream come true for me!
About Kezia Gabriella
Kezia Gabriella is a character illustrator and animator with a background in art direction and design. Through dynamic and bold compositions she explores the joy and drama of everyday life situations, emotions and stories making use of geometric shapes, layers and textures.
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