For this article in the international artist series, we turn to Greece, featuring six artists who create fantastic work, from 3D illustrations to graphic designs and more! I asked each artist how their country and culture inspired their work, and they delivered fantastic answers. Enjoy!
Dario Veruari
Dario is a 3D artist based in Athens, Greece. His work features exceptional 3D illustrations that are simply out of this world. Check out a small selection of his work below, or see more in his portfolio.
Journey to 365 - July
There are many things about Greece that I love actually. From the art, to the history, and architecture. And the weather is also good, in summer you get to enjoy the magnificent beaches with crystal clear waters.
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Journey to 365 - July
The culture in Greece has definitely influenced me a lot I would say, especially the ancient architecture of Greece. I think it's a great source of inspiration.
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Dimensions
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Dimensions
Well I can't speak about all arts in general here in Greece, but digital art is an area that has drawn many young people lately, and more and more people are becoming interested in it.
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Anastasia Dimitriadi
Anastasia is a graphic designer based in Athens, Greece. Her work features incredible font designs and typography inspired by her love of type and calligraphy. Check out a small selection of her work below, or see more in her portfolio.
Thirsty Heart
I come from Leros, an Aegean island. Although I was born and raised in Athens, all my childhood memories are full of the sun and sea from my summer holidays. Working as an independent designer gives me the opportunity to share my time between Athens and Leros which I adore, and I think I couldn't be inspired without the sun and sea.
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Adalberta
I think both religion and Greek folk art have influenced my work. Although I'm not a religious person, I'm amazed by the cubic forms found in Greek orthodox and Byzantine iconography.
During my studies as an architect, I studied and became self taught in iconography. Lately, I study the patterns of traditional embroidery. I'd like to use them in illustrations that will surround my calligraphic fonts and lettering.
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Don't Be Afraid, Just Say It
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Love the Difference
I'm completely "new" to my country's art community. I started getting to know artists through Behance where I've seen so much amazing work. Although I've transitioned from architecture to the graphic arts, I felt immediately a part of this community.
Artists who I never knew before personally offered me their unconditional help, and keep supporting me in many ways. I feel that the art community here is a big, talented, and supportive team.
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Ilias Sounas
Ilias is an illustrator based in Athens, Greece. His work features vibrant 2D illustrations with unique characters. Check out a small selection of his work below, or see more in his portfolio.
Disney Letters
I love the weather of Greece and the Greek lifestyle, as well as the positive and philosophical attitude, which inspires me to create optimistic, colorful illustrations. It's also a country with a loose attitude, which fits my artistic style. And of course, I also love the vast variety of coffee, foods, and sweets.
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WDW Ultimate Ticket - Animated Videos
The Greek culture has influenced me in a philosophical way especially in my personal illustrations and doodles where I want to have subtle messages about love and self-awareness.
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Whimsical Illustrations of Love
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Mini Robots
There are many talented illustrators here but it's not a big, organized community. Nevertheless, Greek people have many artistic traditions throughout history so many people love our art.
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Shanti Thomaidi
Shanti is a graphic designer based in Athens, Greece. Her work features stunning branding packages designed by the amazing Alati Design Atelier which she co-owns. Check out a small selection of her work below, or see more in her portfolio.
Dukes Apartments Branding
Even from the center of Athens, I can travel in less than an hour to the closest island, or in a beach with my feet in the sea. Combine that with the fact that summer in Greece lasts four to five months and you’ll see why we all feel blessed.
Moreover, the sunlight always makes things look brighter and the sea makes them feel lighter.
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MOV Inspired Jewellery Branding
I’m in love with the sea. Whenever I need to calm down instantly, I bring to my mind the picture of my favorite beach. Sitting there, all you can see are the blue hues, the gradients, and the tones of the sky and sea. This beauty of minimalism in nature, along with a great love of colors, is what I want to believe are depicted in my work.
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Kaisar Photography Branding
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Tavolo Mio Branding
The art community in Greece is constantly growing. New, talented, and passionate designers are added daily, and more groups and cooperatives are created, thus maintaining high standards. Design is blooming and people are slowly understanding and appreciating our work as professionals. There is still a long way to go but the future seems optimistic. We just need to stay optimistic and to love our work.
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John Taf
John is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Athens, Greece. His work features gorgeous hand-drawn illustrations that create the perfect style for print design. Check out a small selection of his work below, or see more in his portfolio.
ἐλαία Label Design
In Greece it is common to go out for a cup of coffee for two or three hours, enjoying it slowly. When we rush through our daily routines, one cup of coffee in a small café seems to slow time down.
I love the street art. There is some sort of art in every alley. Colors and styles appear on old buildings and blocks of flats. You can also encounter, occasionally, these wonderful neoclassical buildings with small balconies and baroque aesthetics. They're just beautiful!
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Ψαροτόπι Brochure Design
I grew up during the time of the internet, which resulted in becoming quite acquainted with foreign cultures ever since I was a little child. Thus, I would say that my work hasn’t been affected and influenced only by Greek culture, but rather that it is more of a fusion of many cultures.
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Personal Illustrations
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Personal Illustrations
The art community improves over the years but to be honest, as far as I know, there isn’t a unified community. There are small groups of artists and designers who make an effort, mainly via the internet, but we haven’t reached European levels yet. We’ve got some work ahead of us.
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Sophia Georgopoulou
Sophia is a graphic designer based in Athens, Greece. Her work features stunning branding packages with unique corporate identities. Check out a small selection of her work below, or see more in her portfolio.
Kalyspongea
I love living in Greece because it's where my family and friends are. Greece is my country, a country full of history, culture, passionate people, great food, and the best summers!
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Nomad
I grew up in Athens in a totally artistic environment. My grandfather was an artist and my parents are both architects, so I knew since I was a child that I wanted to do something that would involve art and colors in any way! My childhood dream was to play with colors and brushes...Forever!
When I was studying in London, my tutor said to my fellow students that he could tell that I was from Greece from the way I was using colors in my projects and from the way I was expressing emotions through my work. I think with all my heart and this is what I believe makes my work unique.
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Just Great!
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Our Mom Eugenia
I am very proud that Greek graphic design (and design in general) is of a very high level. The competition is very high and that makes me try harder and want to become better.
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Many thanks to the artists who took time to answer my questions and share a bit about themselves and how their country and/or culture has affected their work. You can check out more of their work in the links below:
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
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