Today we talk to Marlene Canto, a Portuguese graphic designer who loves illustration and who manages to create worlds full of creativity and color to send messages of strong meaning.
Hello Marlene, who are you? How would you define yourself?
Hi, I'm Marlene, a Portuguese girl who loves to laugh. I'm passionate about illustration but I work mainly as a graphic designer.
Where were you born? Do you still live there?
I was born in the south of Portugal, in the Algarve, and grew up in a small town called Quarteira. Over the years I lived in Lisbon, Schwäbisch Gmünd (Germany) and Porto, and two or three years ago I moved back to my hometown. Next year I want to move abroad again. I'm always looking for a good adventure.
When did you decide to become an artist?
Art is a part of me, I didn’t choose it. I remember when I was five years old and I said I wanted to be an architect. My mother used to tell me that from a very young age I drew everywhere: doors, walls, furniture, books, etc., maybe I was already starting to experiment with materials and textures… just kidding. Then came music and eventually, as I grew up, this inexplicable interest sparked more curiosity and filled my life even more.
How would you define your style in one sentence?
I would define it as intuitive and daring, evoking social themes and abstract characters associated with feelings or moods, which are translated into bold lines and colorful organic shapes.
Your weaknesses? Your strengths?
Weakness: Very impatient. My greatest strengths are the ability to be very self-aware and express myself through my art.
What would you say makes you different?
Be true to myself.
What do you find most fascinating about creativity?
I find it fascinating to create something out of nothing and allow yourself to think and explore without rules or limitations. It can help anyone express their true self and at the same time solve different kinds of problems. The most exciting part is the “surprise factor” because you never know what the final result will be like.
Which of your works are you particularly fond of?
“It's okay to feel lost.” I think we've all felt that way at some point. Unfortunately, no one teaches us how to react or deal with it, even if it's part of our growth process. Changes will always happen in life, they are transitions to a new beginning.
Who inspires or influences you when creating?
I get a lot of inspiration from everything around me: people, nature, social issues and music.
Do you have any new projects or ideas in the works?
Yes. In such an atypical year we are facing, I have decided to challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone and I have recently created a project in which I explore feelings, moods, social issues and experiences through bold and fearless shapes and colours. It is called maganagoesbold and you can find it on Instagram.
2025 Where do you see yourself?
Doing what I love, continuing to learn, improve, inspire, achieve goals and set new ones.
Finish the sentence: When things get tough…
Accept it, don't give up and learn along the way until the storm passes.
A favorite place.
I love the mountains, but any place that has good food and good people has a special place in my heart.
What would you do if you could change the world?
End all diseases and create a more stable society.
Second to last question… Favorite song?
Mission impossible… I am the queen of people who like different genres of music from different decades, but “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder is definitely in my top 10. It always gives me good vibes and makes me want to dance with a smile on my face.
A book that no one should miss?
Essay on Blindness by José Saramago.
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