INTERVIEW WITH SILVIA FERPAL

N.: Could you briefly define yourself?

SF: I am a designer and artist. I currently work for national and international clients, sometimes from my studio and other times remotely. I am quite an entrepreneur and always have some project in the works. I like to walk everywhere, I like horchata, I like colorful socks and I like stationery stores.

N.: What inspired you to become a graphic designer and visual artist? Was it something you always wanted to be or did you evolve into this profession by chance?

SF: When I was little I used to accompany my father painting, although I had no idea what design was at the time. My grandfather always had the latest drawing programs installed on the computer ready for when I went over to his house. I, on the other hand, had the sims.

When I was a teenager, my sister took me to a Scottish family to learn English. Both the father and mother were designers, and since I had nothing better to do, they used to take me along on all the errands and meetings they had. That's when I started to see what design was all about and started to get interested.

That series of events led me to study Fine Arts in Madrid. In my third year I went on Erasmus to Belgium, and there I began studying design subjects for the first time. There was no turning back.

N.: Of all the areas in which you work, which is your favorite? (Typography, illustration, graphics…)

SF: Most of the projects I do for clients are branded and digital, and I especially enjoy those for cultural institutions or brands related to the creative field. I also really enjoy projects where I have to design more physical and object-based things, I really like paying attention to materials and finishes.

N.: How did you receive the news that you had won the National Design Award and what did it mean to you?

SF: One day while I was teaching at the university I received several calls from a very long number. During a break I went to the bathroom, answered the call and Pedro Duque answered, telling me that I had won the award.

I am pleased to have been awarded for projects that are not only those that were traditionally awarded. Now, more emerging disciplines such as digital design are also taken into account.

Since then, many media outlets, universities, festivals, etc. have contacted me to give talks and tell them about my experience. It has also helped me feel more confident with my varied work and make it a strength.

N.: Madrid, Belgium, Rome and New York are cities you have lived in… Which one do you prefer? Can you recommend any special place where you like to go to relax?

SF: Oh! How difficult! Every place has its own thing. Today at this time my answer is that I'll stay in Madrid, I guess that's why I'm here. In a little while I'll probably tell you another one. I think my answer has a lot to do with having my own studio and having my own clients. The city has a climate and size that has a lot to do with my lifestyle. If I worked for a company I would stay in New York, although if I were retired I would say Rome.

To get away from it all, I would recommend Boisbuchet. It is a domain with a castle and various beautiful architectures in the middle of nature, 2 hours from Bordeaux, France. They host artists, designers and architects there to develop their projects in that context and with lots of workshops. I spent a month there recently and it seemed like a perfect place to get away from it all, but still do things for restless people like me.

Of the cities mentioned, I would choose the antique stationery stand at the Porta Portese market in Rome. If anyone reading this goes, please say hello to Roberto for me.

N.: Is there anything outside of your profession that really interests you or that you are interested in learning more about?

SF: I miss knowing more about nature (plants, animals, etc.). I have always lived in cities and I am completely ignorant in that field. I couldn't have said it better.

I would also like to learn about dermatology, although to be honest, not enough to study medicine.

I also miss learning more and more languages.