Artist Spotlight: Meet Tània García

Want to smile? Just take a look at Tània García’s colorful, detailed art! Want to smile even more? Read our exclusive Q&A with her for inspirational advice and info about her life and work in Barcelona!

What inspired you to become an artist? 

When I was a kid, I really liked to draw and paint, so my parents signed me up to an art school for kids. There I learned to draw, paint, make ceramics and macrame. I made a lot of fun art projects for six years.

But when I was a teenager, I stopped drawing. In my twenties, after studying for a degree in Tourism, I decided to retake my creative side and study Art and Design at Escola Massana, Barcelona University. I also learned applied arts such as ceramic lathe, enamels, Japanese lacquer, woodcutting, engraving and interior design. Now, I am a self-taught illustrator.

Which three words describe your design aesthetic?

Joyful, feminine and fresh.

What inspires your work?

I get inspiration from trips, movies, friends, fashion, my city, vintage stuff, everyday situations and everything that makes me feel joyful. My biggest influence is the mid-century illustration style. Mary Blair, Charley Harper, Miroslav Šašek and Eric Carle are some of the illustrators I admire the most from that time. I really like the way they use textures, patterns and vibrant colors. Nature is also a great influence on my work so I love being surrounded by plants and flowers.

When you have a creative block, what pulls you out of it?

I go for a walk, ​​have a coffee in a nice coffee shop, visit a museum or look at the sea, and take care of myself with healthy and delicious food, restful sleep and working out.

What is your proudest moment as an artist?

When my first children's book was shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards 2021 last year. Being among the 200 selected from more than 5000 artists from 82 countries was a great recognition of my work.

What's the most memorable party you've ever been to?

I remember the best parties I have been to when I lived on the island of Mallorca (Spain). I love beach and pool parties.

What advice would you give to an aspiring creator?

Don’t stop learning. Your creativity is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes.

Is there a mantra that you follow when you work?

When I have a challenging project, I convince myself that one way or another, I will solve it and everything will be fine. And that’s how it always happens.

Is there a theme you enjoy illustrating the most?

I used to really enjoy illustrating animals, but lately I love to illustrate people and travel destinations. It's like I met those people and traveled to those places in real life, and I have a lot of fun.

Which parts of Barcelona inspire you the most?

I feel so inspired when I visit its museums and exhibitions, walk through the old town, get lost in Els Encants flea market or enjoy the panoramic view of the city at the Carmel Bunkers, an anti-aircraft battery, which were essential in Barcelona’s defensive system during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939).

What excites you the most about your collaboration with Evite?

I love the positivity and cheerful character of Evite and its main objective, which is to celebrate life with people we love. I think I am very aligned to these values.

Tània García is an illustrator and surface pattern designer from Barcelona. She loves to draw digitally, especially with her iPad. Digital illustration allows Tània to work with vibrant color palettes and textures she makes herself with India ink. You can see more of her work on Instagram (@taniagart), in the books "Toxic: The World's Deadliest Creatures" and "Animals: Together or Alone," or on Evite!