Looking for some new tunes to power your creativity? Well, you’re in the right place. Welcome to Dribbble’s Pump-Up Mix — a monthly Q&A and curated playlist of songs highlighting your favorite designers and the music that influences their creative process.
This month’s guest is none other than graphic designer & illustrator Mercedes Bazan. Get a glimpse of the sounds and songs that inspire Mercedes’ work.
Dribbble’s Pump-Up Mix Vol. 2 — Mercedes Bazan
This playlist has a mix of K-Pop and J-Pop music. I enjoy listening to this kind of music when I’m drawing or in the initial phase of a project where exploration and having fun is the most important thing.
Tell us about yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Mercedes Bazan, I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina but currently based in San Francisco, California. I’m a graphic designer and illustrator presently working at Stripe as an editorial designer for Increment Magazine. I have a lovely tabby cat called Mirmo. He’s always good company on long nights of work.
How does music influence your creative process?
Music helps me to stay energized during the exploration phase of a project. I love this stage because it’s when you can feel free to play and have fun. Whenever I’m designing or illustrating, happy music is key. For personal projects, I enjoy listening to songs I don’t know and let my mind flow… Some really cool ideas can come from that practice.
What artists are you listening to that help keep your creative juices flowing?
BTS!
Go-to artist or musician?
I would say The Smiths.
Do you play music yourself? If yes, does this play into your design workflow at all?
I tried to learn how to play guitar in school but I was so bad at it that I eventually gave up. I don’t think creating music is for me. On the other hand, I’m very good at enjoying music.
Who is a musician or artist you would love to work with?
I would love to work with BTS… It’s one of my dreams (I know it’s too ambitious).
What’s your favorite concert you’ve ever attended?
My favorite concert was in 2017 when I went to see Gorillaz perform for the first time in my life. It was SO much fun.
Want to keep up with Mercedes? Find her on Dribbble, Instagram, and Twitter ■
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