Jordi Lafebre has always been fascinated by art and drawing. And it shows. Constantly coming up with designs for a multitude of characters, his cartoons are easily recognisable for their charismatic expressions and defined features. Through hard work, dedication, and a zeal for life and love, he has worked on numerous books and projects, including the famous French series ‘Les Beaux Étés’ (‘Glorious Summers’), alongside the renowned Belgian author and director Zidrou. With another book due to come out this September, we thought we’d give you an insight into his experience as an illustrator.

1. What got you into illustration?

I’ve been drawing my whole life, since I was a kid. Lying down on the floor with a pencil and paper is one of my earliest memories. I started to work professionally at 19, before finishing my course at art school. I really didn’t picture myself doing anything else, so I tried to start early and learn as much as I could. 

2. Which has been your favourite character to design?

It maybe sounds like a cliché, but I really put my heart and soul into all my characters. I feel like they are real and my job is to help them to come to life. When you draw some characters for a long period of time, even you see them evolve and grow up and get older. You have a real connection with them. It was the case for the family in some of my books- sometimes I feel they are like a part of my own family! But even then I couldn’t say they are my favorite; every character has its charm.

3. Your new book ‘Malgré Tout’ (Nevertheless) looks amazing! Could you tell us a bit about it?

‘Malgré Tout’ is a love story that tells a platonic relationship between the two main characters that lasts more than 40 years. The story begins when they are in their 70s and we go back in time slowly to see how they managed to be in love for so much time.  

• 

• 

4. What is your main source of inspiration?

Maybe another cliché, but I get my inspiration from life itself. I’m fascinated by human relationships and human nature. To write stories and to draw characters is my way of studying and continuously learning about people.

I’ve been working with him for more than 10 years. I imagine we have influenced each other in many different ways. He comes from a very classic European way of doing comics, and I’ve learnt a lot about it by working with him. 

• 

• 

• 

6. What advice would you give to up-and-coming illustrators?

Be passionate. Be curious. Be consistent, but learn to take some breaks. Be humble, you can learn something from anyone. Draw and learn from real life. Be patient, and gentle with your peers- this is not a competition.  

7. What are your future plans?

I am working on many different projects right now; some short term and others long term. I like to work like this, like planning a garden. There are some flowers that will grow in some weeks and some trees that take years. And I always keep myself open to new, exciting projects. 

Jordi Lafebre’s new book, ‘Malgré Tout’ is out this September

Pre-order it now at: Amazon

For more examples of his work, go check out his website: https://jordilafebre.format.com/

This interview was not paid. All work featured comes directly from Jordi’s Twitter page.