We’re still in the early stages of 2017 and keeping eyes on creatives to watch this year. Our friends over atAdobe recently collated a list of ‘ones to watch’ for 2017 and one that stands out with the team at PhotoBite Towers, is Alex Palazzi

“Don’t play with your food” is a phrase drummed into our heads from childhood, and one we generally stick to [at least in the comfort of our own home]. Alex does exactly the opposite when he creates his ironically surreal and uniquely crafted work, from an ingredients list composed of food, Adobe and traditional craft materials.

We’ve enjoyed looking at some of your work Alex, can you give us a little bit of your background as an imagemaker? 

Thank you! I am a graphic designer, motion graphics animator and art toy maker based in Barcelona. For the last 6 years, I have been working on a full-time basis as a freelancer for several motion graphic design studios and advertising agencies. I consider myself a 3D/2D generalist. I do a lot of stuff including identity, digital, motion but the field in which I feel more comfortable is handcrafted work

Slime: Alex Palazzi

Can you give us some insight into your creative process, the beginnings, the tools that you use etc?

Since as I was a child I have been fascinated by the crafts.  My work is a fusion between crafts and digital. In the creative process, I am inspired by a lot of things, everyday objects, family, friends, a good movie, internet, books, food. People told me that I use a lot of nostalgia in my work and they are probably right If we understand nostalgia like a part of our essence. I like the pursuit of nostalgia for personal reflection and using these memories as a way inspiration. There is a lot of trial and error in my work. I mainly look for material exploration to see what happens if ‘this’ is mixed with ‘that’. Clay is the most used material in my work because it is super ductile, versatile, colourful.

Ice Cream: Alex Palazzi

What kind of procedures do you generally adopt to distribute your work once complete, either for clients or personal work?

I am very bad at showing my work. Some of my friends are represented by artist agencies that are in charge of distributing their work to the brands, this is what I’m planning in the near future. Right now, I don’t even have a personal website. I only put my work on Bechance and I have been lucky enough to get exposure and clients from there.

The Melting Bear: Alex Palazzi

Do you actively re-purpose your work?

No, I don’t re-purpose my work. I don’t think re-purpose is the right word. I think every designer has a pretty marked essence as a designer and this is seen in the work they do. In my case, It is not a style, but a way of working.

Sandcastle: Alex Palazzi

What’s been the single most exciting/interesting project you’ve worked on of late?

I really enjoy every work I am involved in, it doesn’t matter if it is professional or personal. If I would have to choose one, It would be the project “Do not play with your food” because It was the most rewarding project. I enjoyed every step of the process, from the beginning to the end. And in addition to all of that, It made me change the way I approach new projects today.

Bubblegum: Alex Palazzi

What’s next?

2017 is going to bring some cool art toys and some typography work too. Last year was one of my best years for sure but It took me a lot of time away from personal projects. I would love to be more focused on doing personal work again, and as always enjoying the ride during the process.

You can find more of Alex’s work on Behance and Instagram