Today we’re taking a closer look at the amazing Instagram account of Anna Devís Benet. She’s a talented architect and graphic designer from Spain. Find out where does she take her inspirations from and how does her creative process look like!
How did your adventure with photography begin?
It started like a game! I have always been attracted by photography, during my teen days I
joined many competitions but, this conception of creative photography was something new. In
this adventure I am not alone, Daniel Rueda (@drcuerda) is the other half of the team. We both are architects, we meet at the university, and we both loved photography. That’s the reason why we care a lot about lines and geometry. We were just meant to be for each other! Hahaha. He is the one who brings technique, accuracy and order. My part in this job is to think about crazy creative ideas, draw and work with my hands.
Your photos are always minimalistic in rather subtle pastel colors. Do you draw inspirations
from certain artists, photographers? I have to admit that some of your pictures bring to my
mind Wes Anderson’s movie sets with those incredible colors, unreal places and every
detail being thoroughly thought of. Who or what inspires you?
That’s a big compliment! I do not do it on purpose but I have realized I do feel a little
attracted by pastel colors. I even dress in pale colors! Regarding the inspiration, we find it in pretty much everything! It sounds cliche, but it is true! A movie, a book, a song, a pun, our daily routine… Everything can turn out to be a photo but, later these days, we feel a strong connection between illustration and what we do. We love to get inspired by some of our favorite artist’s works.
How do you find locations to take your pictures? Do you come across them by accident or
you look for them specifically?
When we walk around we always have our eyes wide open. In
our city, we always find new spots where to shoot. When we travel, we try to do our “homework” before arriving to the destination. As architects, we always try to visit buildings or beautiful façades in front of where we would love to play.
How would you describe your photographic style?
Let’s say it is minimalistic. I try to tell stories with the fewer elements required, you know,
“less is more”.
How did the idea for your Instagram account emerge? Does it something to do with the
fact that you’re an architect?
I remember that Daniel started an old account years ago where he shared a 365 project. I
loved the idea of having my own gallery to share my shoots too, and I opened mine. Little by little it became what it is right now and that small act literally changed my life.
How does the whole creative process look like in your case? From concept to
postproduction and publishing?
I adore every step of the process! First of all, we do always think about a story or a concept.
Sometimes is something that happened to us, other times is an idea that comes to our mind. When this happens, the flow-work starts always with a drawing. When the image is clear, we do look for the props that appear in the photo. Sometimes is just and umbrella or some big balloons, but sometimes we also do need to build them: do origami flowers, build a paper dress, paint a cardboard box… My mum gets sometimes involved in this, and she loves it! After that, we look for the perfect location to create the scene and we shoot! We always walk around with eyes wide open to remember façades and spots!
When we travel, the workflow is a little bit different, more spontaneous but we always try to
have our homework done beforehand and have a list of places we want to visit!
What do you love about photography?
Photography is a way to express myself. And I am very lucky to be able to reach so many
people thanks to Instagram. The fact I love about that is that I am able to make people smile no matter their language or how far they are and that is just amazing!
What is the best art advice you got in your life?
That “no” is also an answer. At the beginning of a career, all are appealing opportunities and
declining seems not to be an option. But there is no sense in approaching projects you don’t feel represented with, right? When you try to convince yourself that is good is because something when wrong from the beginning. This is the best advice I been given and is one of the basic rules to be enjoy what you do. When you are confident about your work and have fun with it, the project fills with positive vibes, everything turns out to be more easy and at the end, it matters in the result!
Check out Anna’s incredible Instagram account and feel those positive vibes!
