Artist Spotlight: Alex Palazzi

“Don’t play with your food” is a phrase drummed into our heads from childhood, one we generally abide to (at least in the comfort of our own home). Digital artist Alex Palazzi, another artist featured in our list of 20 Creatives to look out for in 2017, does exactly the opposite when he creates his ironically surreal and uniquely crafted artwork, from an ingredients list composed of food items, Adobe products and traditional craft materials.

We interviewed him to discover more about his inspiration and creative processes.

ADOBE STOCK: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your creative background?

Alex Palazzi: I am a graphic designer, motion graphics animator and art toy maker based in Barcelona. For the last 6 years, I have been working on a full-time basis as a freelancer for several motion graphic design studios and advertising agencies. I consider myself a 3D/2D generalist. I do a lot of stuff including identity, digital, motion but the field in which I feel more comfortable is handcrafted work

AS: So how did you get started in digital art professionally?

AP: I was studying graphic design at university but my real desire was making toys. One day I looked on internet and I found a stop motion school here in Barcelona where they also taught toy sculpture so I enrolled. At that time, one of the teachers at my Graphic Design University was looking for sculptors for a TV spot, so I went to her office and talked to her, showed my work and I was lucky enough to get the job. That was the first experience in the professional industry. Then I started learning After Effects and 3D because there were a lot of job offers in these fields. Now I simply try to combine everything I have learned, mixing different techniques depending on what it works better.

AS: What are your perceptions of stock images, and do you think the perception is changing?

AP: I am really impressed with the potential that Adobe Stock gives you. There are plenty of possibilities and you always find what you are looking for. I used to take and work only with my own photos but this has changed. Using stock photos, in combination with my crafted art work, gives me more control to detail especially in the texturing part and it’s for sure game-changing the way I approach my work in many ways. It has been a great source of material for matte painting that would be almost impossible to perform manually.

AS: How would you describe your style?

AP: I really do not know. Possibly experimental. There are a lot of trial and errors in my work. I mainly look for material exploration to see what happens if ‘this’ is mixed with ‘that’. Clay is the most used material in my work because it is super ductile, versatile, colorful.

AS: Where do you find your inspiration?

In the everyday objects, family, friends, a good movie, internet, books, food. There is not a fixed place to find source of inspiration. I recently checked out 3D work made by CG just to imagine ways of doing it manually if possible; that’s always a good way to inspire you. Just challenging yourself to do it the other way around with even better results.

AS: What are you excited to work on in 2017?

AP: 2017 is going to bring some cool art toys and some typography work too. Last year was one of my best years for sure but It took me a lot of time away from personal projects. I would love to be more focused on doing personal work again, and as always enjoying the ride during the process.

AS: What music do you currently listen to whilst working (if any!)?

AP: I don’t have any preference. It depends on the mood but I always enjoy whatever sound that comes from an electric guitar.

You can discover more of Alex’s work on Behance and Instagram.