Alter Ego, Afonso Tomás Fernandes
The project began as an exploration of the self through the creation of a body of work by an alter ego. The central challenge was to develop a persona—and a corresponding graphic style—that was the complete opposite of the creator's own. At the time, I was more comfortable with complex, detailed illustrations, making the adoption of a simpler, more direct style a perfect and engaging challenge for this brief.
My role
Illustration and editorial design
Year
2021
Trust the process
This creative friction resulted in a unique visual language. The illustrations, are marked by a deliberate simplicity and a hand-drawn quality. The use of varied textures, from the rough, torn edges of paper to the subtle grain of the graphite, adds a tangible, authentic feel. The aesthetic conveys a sense of spontaneity and genuine, unfiltered expression, standing in deliberate contrast to more polished, conventional styles. This work reflects a journey of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, embracing a new artistic voice, and discovering the power in simplicity.
