Itziar Barrios uses humble Bic pens to create stunning editorial illustrations

Like the vast majority of artists, Itziar admits, her first memories are of creative communication. But it was only three years ago, having worked a succession of jobs that she found unfulfilling, that she determined that illustration would be both her personal and professional life. "I think at that moment I understood that life was too valuable not to live doing what you are most passionate about every day," Itziar tells Creative Boom.

Working predominantly with regular Bic ballpoint pens, she has developed her own visual universe that is instantly recognisable thanks to its realism and limited colour palettes. "On certain occasions, when the client has some specific requirements, I do work with Procreate, but the experience during the process is totally different, and it shows in the result."

Split portrait of two figures in blue, black and red Bic pen, wearing glasses with reflections of city architecture in the lenses

Man in blue checked shirt viewed from behind, with red figures ice-skating below him in a snowy landscape with cliffs

She specialises in editorial illustration, an approach she describes as one of the most complex sub-disciplines within illustration thanks to its tight deadlines. Itziar credits her success to hard work and perseverance. "I have always wanted to make this type of work and solve these kinds of challenges. After a period of study and work to land my first clients, I got assignments that helped me improve and better understand how the market worked. Once you manage to take the first step, inertia helps you to keep moving forward."

Once you manage to take the first step, inertia helps you to keep moving forward

She adds: "I find the ability of illustrators to brilliantly conceptualise complex ideas in simple illustrations very admirable. Some of them are creating high-quality work on a daily basis." But rather than seeing the editorial illustration workload as a drawback, Itziar says it can become an incredible engine of motivation.

A bearded man in a blue suit drawn with ballpoint pen, surrounded by red-clothed figures and architectural elements in a limited colour palette illustration

Illustration by Itziar Barrios combining sketched figures and the Statue of Liberty's face with red, white and green striped background and Credit Suisse text in blue

"Obviously, tight lead times are always an obstacle to further developing ideas," she explains. "But without a doubt, one of the biggest challenges is working with different topics every time you start a new job.

"Sometimes, you're dealing with quite sensitive topics that you are not very familiar with. Sometimes, time is very limited and does not allow you to carry out a more detailed investigation on the subject being discussed. Truthfully, this can be a pity because the more information you have, the easier it is to convey the idea appropriately and clearly in the illustration."

Blue-toned portrait illustration of a woman with long hair smiling, surrounded by textured fabric swatches in muted tones

Illustration in blue, green and red showing two men flanking a COVID-19 vaccine vial, with healthcare workers and an ambulance below, created with Bic ballpoint pens

As for the future, Itziar is looking to expand and explore new markets where the creative boundaries and limitations are different. This includes working for advertisers and developing her own textile brand emblazoned with her prints.

"Another goal that I have projected in the short term is to start giving movement to my illustrations. It is quite a challenge since I work in analogue and the limitations are evident, but I hope I can achieve it in the near future."