Viktor Melistas: creating with a refreshing freedom
It's impressive how a single story can inspire such diversity through different mediums! Visual artists from around the world are taking part in WHISTLE project, in an attempt to present a multi-sensory experience never attempted before in the Greek visual art scene. And that's because we do not think of visual art as an experience that when viewed fades away, but as an excuse, a triggering event, a reason to produce an artistic conversation and a literal dialogue with everyone interested. This is the way we feel visual art should work.
In this short article we present the work of Viktor Melistas, a young talented illustrator from Greece.
What intrigued you?
I always liked folklore stories, fairy tales and thrillers. Recently I was talking to a good friend of mine, about how Greek film directors don't get "advantage" of such stories and source material, like many of their colleagues do in countries all over the world. Thus, the main theme of this project was for me a very pleasant surprise!
Why did you take part in WHISTLE project?
Apart the very interesting theme, I really liked the fact that there was no "aesthetic guideline" I was required to follow. Having spend years working as a professional graphic designer and illustrator, I always had to deal with (often times absurd) demands of each customer. So, this creative freedom was utterly refreshing for me!
How do you work the idea in your head?
I try to think about it as little as possible. I tend to over analyze things and that causes me to lose control and get lost in the way and do nothing in the end. So I usually take a brief look of the material I have in hand, wait two or three days without consciously thinking about it and then I just start working on it. I start by creating one or two drafts at the same time and then each one shows me the way to move on the final artwork.
What's your process?
At first I draw inspiration from the raw material and the general theme. Later I just try ideas experimenting a bit in random and blind fully. Then I just let the process of illustration itself guide me in a final result. I always try not to push things and ideas.
Influences?
I'm always influenced by something. I usually realize it after a long time. Only by seeing a work of mine after months I can realize what my influence was.
Trends and motifs?
Many! Just like my influences. I try to control them in order the final artwork to be balanced, present a unity and express the given theme. Also, I tend to use elements of typography.
Techniques?
I usually combine hand work with computer generated graphics. Collage, watercolors, photoshop...
What do you want to express/say through your artwork?
I would really like to trigger people's interest about the story, when seeing my artwork. If people are intrigued, I would feel I fulfilled my goal.
All the works created for WHISTLE project by Viktor, will be available to the public during the transmedia exhibition.
Viktor Melistas was born in Spain. He works and lives in Athens, Greece. When he grows up he is going to be a superhero. That's why he puts spiders in the microwaves but they don't bother biting him! He studied Graphic Design and Fine Arts in Athens and he is currently working as an Illustrator, Graphic Designer and barman.
Viktor Melistas was born in Spain. He works and lives in Athens, Greece. When he grows up he is going to be a superhero. That's why he puts spiders in the microwaves but they don't bother biting him! He studied Graphic Design and Fine Arts in Athens and he is currently working as an Illustrator, Graphic Designer and barman.