LZB InSight

Jilipollo

Javier Medellin Puyou is a Mexico-based designer formed as an architect and self-formed illustrator. A constant search for inspiration results in new ideas, producing art pieces and leaving the sense of completeness. The inspiration drawn from images, music, design, news, old TV programs and fulfilled with outstanding styles from other illustrators makes him wanna grab a pencil and start sketching!

He used to make a comic magazine alongside his friends, called ‘Larva’. The kind of humor, sarcasm, use of clichés and parodies were the most frequent topics in the magazine. Javier felt a strong identification with this way of narrating things and humor, so it became a big influence on him and his illustration.

This “pachanguero”, who has a deep passion for illustration and painting, likes to convey his point of view into his work. He employs an enchanting mix of absurd humor, sarcasm and emotion, resluting in poignant illustrations. Exotic imagery can occasionally be found in his work, as well as the delicious spicy mexican kitsch iconography.

“Painting and stenciling on streets is something I find as a passion and when I have the opportunity I LOVE to do it as well.”

Feel INSPIRED!

Mr.Javier Medellin Puyou - Jilipollo!

When you were a kid, what was on the walls of your room?

As far as I remember, the first things I had on my walls were some “gruperos” bands and girl’s posters and calendars, and also a “Santa Muerte” and “Malverde” figures. My family and I used to pray to them to keep us together and happy, no matter if we didn’t have much money.

When and how did your passion for illustration begin?

Drawing has been something I always liked. I was a comic fan since I was very young, and I think that influenced me and made me start drawing, just like many others. I was a little hyperactive when I was a kid, so my parents thought if I focused my energy towards something specific like painting, it could help me, just like a little therapy. So they decided that taking art classes would be good for me. When I grew up, I occasionally produced some illustration work for friends. I sometimes used to paint spaces inside bars and other minor works. Then I started receiving more interesting offers, although not very often. I didn’t take it seriously at that stage, but a relationship with an ex-girlfriend changed that. Sadly, she never believed in my work. When we were living together in England,  she wanted me to stop doing it and to find ‘a real job’. Of course, illustration didn’t count as a real job! When we split up, I wanted to prove to her and myself that illustration could be a reasonable and respectable job, just like many others. I was doing something I really enjoyed that made me live my life with more pleasure. By that moment, I entered a Coca-Cola national contest and won the prize. That was like a signal that pushed me into completely believing in myself in order to produce Illustrations. I studied and enhanced my knowledge from books and gained more experience with clients and with time. At the present time I produce illustrations, architecture design; I also teach and occasionally perform as a Dj under ‘pimp-pollo’.

Is there one illustration of yours that has a special meaning for you or a special story behind it?

I think every illustration has its own little story and special meaning. Nevertheless, the Coca-Cola poster was something special for what I previously mentioned. Also, the ‘Machete’ movie poster is something I really enjoyed doing it. I am a big fan of Robert Rodríguez’s movies and this one in special is one of my favorites. Besides it, it was released in a moment when Arizona’s government was taking all undocumented mexicans back to Mexico, leaving their children who were born in the US there. A cousin of mine lived that experience and was pretty awful, and somehow that experience influenced me in making the poster as well.

How do clients approach you/ do they come to you with a clear vision?

There are different kinds of clients. Some of them have a very clear vision of what they want me to express, while other have just a very vague idea. In any case, it’s good to guide them and help them in anything they need in order to come to the best result - they appreciate when you are able to propose better ways to achieve it.

Best place in the world for you?

Mexico city and Berlin.

Most common technique you use in your illustrations?

Ink and watercolour.

Do you experiment with other techniques?

Sometimes, when I have the chance, I experiment with mixed or different techniques and materials as well. Still, Ink is probably my favorite. I like to put emphasis on the quality of the line, it is very important for me.

Your plans for the future?

Start producing big murals for my city and other cities. Urban art is probably what I enjoy most, the piece in big scale looks really amazing and everybody can see it. I’d like to exhibit my work a bit more; it could be in outside spaces or galleries, I’d like to have more exhibitions of my work because I think I haven’t done it properly. I’d also like to make my own products that involve illustration, such as t-shirts, notebooks, etc.

This man, a fan of coffee, loves the feeling of an enchanting evening, along with a spicy mix of magic and reality. He would feel very honored if he would get a chance to influence the younger generation! He’d tell them:

“If this is something you really want to do, then do it and never stop improving. This is not an easy field, so you have to make sure you have enough skills to be competitive. Otherwise, it could be very frustrating. Never look for a particular ‘style’; if you are spending your time trying ‘to find it’, then you won’t enjoy what you do completely. I believe everyone has their own style since birth, it’s just something that takes form little by little with the things and circumstances that feed you through life. Never depend on other people and always try to achieve everything by yourself. Accept and respect help when you really need it, and only from people you fully trust!” 

This is a perfect ending of a great interview!

Thank you, Javier, for letting us take a glimpse into your amazing, funny and ispiring world!

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