Pablo Lobato was born in Trelew, Patagonia Argentina in 1970. Because he wasn't so great at sports, instead of playing soccer like his friends, he used to spend long hours drawing superheros. He completed a degree in graphic design at La Plata University and started working in editorial design but eventually got bored and decided to give one more chance to his true love—portraiture. Since then he's worked for Rolling Stone, Texas Monthly, TV Guide, Boston Globe, Time and the New York Daily News. Although Pablo is still drawing, his friends are no longer playing soccer.
12.03.08
Long Hours Spent Drawing Superheroes
If you have a degree in what field is it? I'm a visual communication designer, I got that degree in the University of La Plata, in Argentina.
Have you always been able to draw or was it a skill you learned in college? All children are able to draw; at some point most of them quit. I just continued doing it.
What was your first paid assignment? I really can’t remember my first paid assignment, I do remember my first published assignment wich was way more important to me. It was a portrait of a teacher in the school newspaper.
Which illustrator (or fine artist) do you most admire? If I have to choose only one it would be Emilio Pettorutti, but if there is room for more: David Cowles, Brodner, Trenholm, Hirschfeld of course, Nine, Sabat... I could go on and on.
What would you be doing if you weren’t an illustrator? I guess I would be doing something in music.
From where do your best ideas originate? When I am looking for ideas I look at everything including different illustration styles, photographs, everything. Something eventually results from that mix.
How do you overcome a creative block? Sometimes working, sometimes sleeping, sometime starting all over again.
In one word describe how you feel when beginning a new assignment? Enthusiastic.
Do you have a personal philosophy? I really don’t.
Do you have creative pursuits other than illustration? Music and cinema.
What music are you listening to right now? Rufus Wainwright, Seann Lennon and the Raconteurs.
What’s your favorite quote? “I do not paint a portrait to look like the subject, rather does the person grow to look like his portrait.” —Salvador Dali
Do you have any advice for people just entering the profession? Draw a lot! Even if you don't have an assignment. Keep on drawing and you will became a better illustrator and the assignments will come.
What's one thing you wish you knew when you started your career? In my case, that i really need a rep; I’m so bad with numbers and budgets.