Meet Ana Gomez Bernaus | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Gomez Bernaus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Visual expression has always felt natural to me. One of my favorite childhood pastimes was drawing. As I grew up I transitioned from pencils to software, yet the excitement and fulfillment I get from creating art remain constant. As a professional artist, I continue to make discoveries as I work, sometimes stumbling upon them through mistakes, and I still get giddy when a piece of art takes an unexpected turn.

When it was time to choose a career path, I opted to study graphic design because it merges visual expression with intentional communication. Graphic design adds a layer of conceptualization to the act of visual expression.
Twenty years have passed since I made that decision, and I have relished every step of the journey. From graphic design to lettering, and from there to 3D, abstract art, and emerging technologies, I have never stopped learning. This ongoing journey of discovery is something I deeply cherish about my career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an artist born and raised in Barcelona, now residing in Los Angeles, with a creative career that merges various paths, each influencing the development of my signature style.

Currently, I work as an Associate Creative Director at Buck, where I lead 3D animation-based commercials for top technology and lifestyle brands. Following several years of freelancing for them, I was invited to join their team in LA. The work at Buck is highly creative and fulfilling, offering opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams and learn with every project.

Additionally, I engage in 3D lettering and illustration projects within the realms of advertising and editorial through my agent in NY Richard Solomon. Through him I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, and Converse, among others. These projects, undertaken as an individual artist, afford me extensive control over the pieces I create. Each collaboration has been an exciting journey and has resulted in portfolio-worthy pieces.

Another area of focus in my career is within the field of documentary films. For over a decade, I have collaborated with Mindbomb Films, designing title cards and type packages for projects such as “A Glitch in the Matrix,” “The Defiant Ones,” and “The Good Breast.”

Lastly, I recently launched my online store, where I sell prints of my art. These pieces, stemming from personal projects and experiments, serve as my playground for exploring new ideas. This facet of my business is perhaps the most significant—my personal explorations are creatively stimulating, fulfilling, and serve as a means to connect with clients interested in similar work. As Richard often says”What you show is what you get”. By showcasing the work I love, I attract clients who appreciate that style.

My career is a significant aspect of my lifestyle. As both a director and an artist, my goal is to advance towards my objectives: to refine, explore, and innovate within my craft. Right now, I am excited about expanding my personal art across diverse mediums. As this project expands, I intend to dedicate more time to it, as self-initiated projects serve as catalysts for innovation and discovery. These personal explorations fuel my creative evolution.

My path been direct sometimes, and meandering other times, but I’m enjoying the ride so far! During my final year at university, one of my teachers recommended me to a colleague seeking interns. I began working at a small design studio in Barcelona, and after my internship concluded, they offered me a position. After a couple of years there, my boss embarked on a year-long trip and proposed to me and a colleague the idea of starting our own company and taking over his clients. At 23 years old, I seized the opportunity. Over the course of a year, I learned more about the business of design than I had throughout my entire design education. It was a unique chance. Running a studio presented its challenges and eventually both my colleagues decided to seek employment elsewhere, so I kept going on my own.

In 2008, during a trip to New York to visit my friend Matias, I fell in love with the city. In 2009, I closed my company and relocated to NYC to further develop as a designer. I lived there for three and a half years, a period during which my lettering work earned my first awards from the Type Directors Club, and where I had the privilege to work with Richard Solomon, who is now my agent. Immersing myself in a new city, speaking a new language, and meeting new people daily facilitated my growth as an artist.

My decision to relocate to New York was a significant risk—one that involved closing my business and starting anew in a foreign country. While undoubtedly challenging, the allure of excitement outweighed any doubts. I approach each objective methodically, taking it one day at a time. Through consistent effort, I’ve achieved every goal I’ve set for myself. The beauty of informed risk-taking lies in the sense of fulfillment and achievement it brings, fueling a desire to push boundaries further and infuse life with a bit of adventure. With that mindset, in 2012, I moved to Los Angeles. This time the move was easier, but the new environment brought a fresh surge of energy.

Throughout my journey, I’ve discovered that curiosity for learning and exploration is a very powerful motivating force. I began as a traditionally trained graphic designer, delving into lettering in New York, and subsequently exploring 3D in Los Angeles. Each new endeavor builds upon the last, expanding my horizons and propelling me toward new discoveries. Whether designing 3D lettering for book covers, crafting abstract 3D pieces, or directing a 3D animated commercial, each project fosters growth and learning. In February 2021, I published a personal 3D project titled “Chromatic Glass”—a collection of experiments exploring glass, color, and light. By October of the same year, Adobe approached me to license one of the pieces from this collection for use on the splash screen of Adobe Audition. This acknowledgment reaffirmed the value of learning, experimentation, and sharing—a winning formula for success.

I am dedicated to producing art that is not only innovative and meticulously crafted but also fosters an environment where imagination can flourish freely. Within the realms of advertising, editorial, and documentary work, my focus lies in designing communication pieces that are both artfully conceived and memorable.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles is exciting, thanks to its extensive array of activities. One of my favorite pastimes involves strolling along the beach during low tide, where the sand transforms into a colossal mirror. During the right season, witnessing flocks of sandpipers darting back and forth between land and water adds the cherry on top. I never get tired of it. Roller skating along the beach on bike path is another fun activity I love, it’s a lot of fun and a quick fitness fix!

Despite not being pedestrian-friendly, certain spots in the city defy this stereotype. Venice, for instance, stands out as one of the neighborhoods that can be enjoyed on foot. Its picturesque canals provide a serene escape, while Abbot Kinney Boulevard teems with distinctive boutiques and nice restaurants.

Venturing up the Pacific Coast Highway leads to Temescal Canyon, with picturesque hikes that culminate in awe-inspiring vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Also on PCH the Getty Villa—a haven for classical art—offers beautiful views.

Museums abound in Los Angeles, each offering its own distinct charm. From the Getty to The Broad, LACMA, and MOCA, there’s always cultural experiences to choose from. The Griffith Observatory treats visitors to a captivating panorama of the city, along with nature and science exhibitions, and nice views of the iconic Hollywood sign.

For art galleries, I often frequent Beyond the Streets, an exhibition space renowned for showcasing vibrant graffiti and street artists. Additionally, I’ve encountered captivating artwork at Mash Gallery.

To embrace nature, The Huntington Botanical Gardens are a phenomenal experience. Their themed spaces, like the Desert and Japanese gardens are a delight for any plant lovers like me. Similarly, the Descanso Gardens is a great option too, especially in the winter when they host the Enchanted Forest of Light experience.

Los Angeles boasts an unparalleled entertainment scene, offering everything from Broadway musicals at the Pantages Theatre to ballet performances at the Amanson Theatre, along with cinematic experiences at the Grove and open-air concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.

Lastly, Los Angeles is known for an amazing culinary variety, and the high standard doesn’t imply a hefty bill. While Nobu’s sushi remains an unparalleled indulgence, there are also very understated gems all over the city—Chef Arango is my latest discovery, offering truly amazing Indian food. Other places I like are Lalibela, for mouthwatering Ethiopian cuisine, or Gyu-Kaku, for very yummy Japanese BBQ.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In the first place, my family—always supportive—has backed every decision I’ve made, allowing me to pursue my passion. I also owe a shoutout to my friend Matias Corea, who planted the idea of moving from Barcelona to New York in my mind back in 2008. That decision kickstarted my career and led to a transformative journey brimming with countless adventures. Lastly, Richard Solomon’s mentorship has been invaluable in navigating the world of illustration.”

Website: Art Store: anabernaus.com – Commercial Art: anenocena.com

Instagram: anenocena

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anagomezbernaus/

Other: I have a Domestika course where I teach 3D lettering and illustration techniques: https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/4225-digital-3d-lettering-with-illustrated-elements