New Otter Surfboards Van Art!

Raul kindly agreed to answer some questions about himself, what inspires him and how he feels about winning our van art competition:

What is your name, where are you from?

‘My name is Raül Casado, I am from a Mediterranean island, Mallorca, in Spain, an area that does not stand out for its waves but for its tranquility and natural landscapes.’

How did you start creating your art? Did you train somewhere?

‘Since I was little I already spent long hours drawing and creating, it was not until I was 23 years old when I decided to study illustration and design school, it was an important step because until then what had been a hobby became a professional option.’

How do you feel about winning the otter surfboards van art contest?

‘I am very happy and excited. Your brand and philosophy represent craft work, work done by hand… it certainly represents me, the fact that my illustrations are part of your image cannot make me happier.’

How does surfing/your environment inspire your work?

‘It is basic and essential. The sensations every time I get into the water means that when it comes to illustrating it they are reflected in my drawings, the colors, the shapes, the images… all that is a part of me that when drawing it is impregnated in each one of my drawings.’

What is your typical process when creating?

‘From head to paper…I don’t let ideas fade…I usually always have a pencil and paper so that each phrase or image that crosses my mind is well targeted…Sometimes I look at images that inspire me and that reflect my feelings at others Sometimes on the way to the surf I let those ideas that appear in my head flow and then I put them on paper.’

What’s next for you? Do you have any exciting projects currently?

‘Many! I have recently been in California working on a large project painting murals and there are a number of projects underway that are quite different from the usual and super exciting…new challenges.’

You can check out more of Raul’s work here.