Her artistic name is that of a pro surfer. But this Yago is not Dora. She's a surf artist from a cold water nation.
Jagoda Szymkowiak is an illustrator and graphic designer from Poland. After graduating from the University of Arts Poznan, the young drawer channeled her inspiration into surfing.
Yago combines several artistic skills and techniques to create striking, creative images. In her artwork, she blends drawing, watercolor painting, and computer graphics.
"Since I first set my foot on a surfboard, I knew that I had found the love of my life. Surfing gives me a lot of inspiration for my art. I often draw while laying on the beach and watching other surfers," explains Jagoda.
Today, the brand Yago is more than just pure art. Jagoda also launched Yago Surf, a clothing and accessories line for surfers, and Yago Bizu, a jewelry collection.
"You can think Poland and surfing don't match but, in fact, it works. The Baltic Sea is really capricious, and there are a few moments in the year when you can actually surf. It's pure cold water spirit."
Yago's illustrations include delicious portraits of famous pro surfers, including Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Kelia Moniz, Dane Reynolds, and Mick Fanning. This girl is amazingly talented, and you can quickly identify a very personal style in her pictorial works.
"I scan some of the sketches and then convert them with graphic programs. But I leave some of them untouched on paper. My style is pretty mixed, although I like sharp shapes," adds Szymkowiak.
"In my last project, I made lithographs. The image is made of a polymer coating applied to a flexible plastic or metal plate. Each print is different and unique. For this kind of art, you need patience, like in surfing."
Check out Yago's work at www.yago.com.pl
