Speaking with Illustrator, Balázs Solti

Balázs Solti largely works with animals, a subject he describes as “universally funny” and “familiar all around the world”. We had a chance to speak to the talented freelance illustrator about his life, process and more in our latest interview.

Hi Balázs - Can you start by introducing yourself and tell us a little about what you do?

I am a self-taught freelance illustrator from Budapest, Hungary. I mainly make animal and skull drawings but I also do paintings as well.

How did you make the career switch to illustration?

I used to draw a lot as a kid but I went in a different direction. After University, I started drawing again and things speeded up. Now I make a living as an artist.

Can you tell us what an average day as Balázs Solti is like?

I am lucky because I get up whenever I want in the morning. After my normal morning routine, I start the working process that I have set as a standard working day. It has to be done even if you don’t feel like it.

Can you tell us about your creative process?

I start by drawing a rough sketch. Once I get started, it develops throughout the process. It can take around two weeks to finish a design.

After a while, the design develops itself and, many times, the final work is completely different from how I originally planned. Usually, just the basics are the same.

One of your main subjects is animals - Why do you focus on them so much?

With animals, many thoughts can be expressed. They are universally funny and are familiar all around the world.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I get inspired by everything around me; the whole world that I am surrounded by, whether it’s music, people etc. I just have to be open and notice what’s around me.

What’s the thing you’re most proud of in your career as an illustrator?

Hopefully, I am ahead of it.

Humour plays a big role in your work. Are you a comedy fan yourself? If so, who are some of your favourite comedians?

Yes, it is a big part of my work. I do like comedies. I like the English comedians the most.

What advice would you give to an aspiring artist?

Practise is the most important thing. That’s the key to finding one's own style and to make better and better artworks. It's worth investing the work as it will pay off.

Finally, what’s the future looking like for you? Any big projects on the horizon?

I am working on a couple of projects right now. I am also improving my painting skills and developing a series of paintings.