Interview with Marcos Ceravolo

Marcos Ceravolo aka Boca is a 26 years old freelancer from São Paulo, Brazil. He works as director, designer, animator and even as illustrator from time to time.

ELATE*: In which cities have you already lived (and where do you want to go)?
So far I have lived in Auckland, New Zealand, Vancouver, Canada and Copenhagen, Denmark. I’d love to live / work in either New York, San Francisco, London, Berlin or Sydney, in no particular order.

ELATE*: What did you want to be when you were a child?
Like every kid, I was pretty addicted to the traditional animated cartoons on TV like Hanna Barbera, Tom & Jerry etc, but it wasn’t until my University years that I got into it. I always liked painting and drawing but didn’t really think about doing that when I grew up, my ambitions were more in the lines of becoming a half police officer half F1 driver.

ELATE*: Where do you take your inspiration from?
I guess since I’m from Brazil inevitably a lot of my inspiration comes from Brazilian culture, but I’m also very drawn to art nouveau and swiss typography, and lately scandinavian design, since I’ve lived and been working in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the last couple of years.
I use print design (specially poster design) as reference a lot, mainly because I love posters and also because I think they are very unique. I also watch (lots) of motion pieces and reels every day, that keeps me fresh and up to date with what’s happening in the industry as well.

ELATE*: Which designers, artists or creative people are your source of inspiration?
Oh wow, there are so many I admire. I guess if I had to pick one or two I’d start with Saul Bass, he will always be the master of Motion Design and Title Design in my opinion. He came up with pieces that were almost unthinkable then, using total analog technology and coming up with mind boggling, breath taking pieces. More contemporary speaking, Danny Yount is perhaps my favorite Motion Designer / Director today, his projects never cease to amaze me, always unique and flawless, both conceptually and technically.

ELATE*: How would you describe your artistic style? How has this style developed over time?
I think my style could be called a “hybrid”, I mean I don’t think I have a particular style (yet) but I think I do have some sort of consistency in all styles I try to interpret on each project I take on. I guess since I’ve travelled and studied / worked abroad for a while that has “molded” me into a multi-faceted designer, if you can call it that. I don’t know, it’s a real mess!

ELATE*: Where do you work on your designs and projects?
Since I’ve just moved back to Brazil, I usually work either from my home office or on location at the studios / production houses that hire me for freelance gigs.

ELATE*: What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Wake up, have breakfast, lots of coffee, read the newspaper (first page and sports page), turn on the computer, read emails, surf the web / books for inspiration, begin work / search for work (freelancing involves a lot of PRing…), stare at the computer for 8 to 10 hrs (and have some food in between), turn off the computer, either go to the gym for a swim / workout or sleep, depending on the hour, oh yeah, and eat before sleeping.

ELATE*: Where can one come across you, where do you like to spend your leisure time?
At home, at the beach (when I have the time to travel) surfing, at the movies or enjoying some cold beers at many different bars / clubs in São Paulo.

ELATE*: What’s your favourite music genre / band / artist / DJ?
Hum… Tough one! I like indie rock and electronic music a lot, as well as post rock and Jazz. I’m always listening to music whether it’s at work, home or on the treadmill. I’ve been listening a lot to Yeasayer, Beirut, Temper Trap, Mogwai, TV on The Radio, Hot Chip, Mdeski Martin & Wood, Trentemøller and Stephan Bodzin lately, but that can change any minute!

ELATE*: Your last redundant purchase?
A couple of kick ass t-shirts from Rebel 8, tattoo artist Mike Giant’s clothing shop.

Marcos Ceravolo Portfolio aka Boca on TALENTARENA