Interview with Budapest’s Professional Illustrator

Szoboszlay András’s colourful illustrations depicting the real-life situations of Budapest are more than photographs: they are little time capsules that store genuine Budapest moments.

Funzine visited András’s stall on the Vörösmarty tér Christmas Fair where he welcomed Funzine with a friendly smile on his face, and a new illustration in his hands. Funzine then settled down in a heated hut where he often spends time drawing these days.

Did you know as a child that you would pursuit an art job as an adult?

For me, it was not a question. I grew up in an artist family; both my father and my sister work as animation directors, my mother as a restorer, and my brother as a graphic designer. I always wanted to draw, so I applied for Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest and graduated with a BA in animation. Later I did an adult education course in cooking and baking which is another way of self-expression for me. It is like sculpting with food.

How do you create your illustration?

I sit on the site until the main lines are done. I draw sketch lines first, and work on the details later with a brush marker. I colour the black and white base with my Talens Van Gogh watercolour set. I drew this sketch for example (he explains as he pulls out a sketch from his bag – the ed.) with ink in 10 minutes, from the terrace of Anyám szerint breakfast place in Wesselényi utca. A few days ago I drew a street lamp while I was waiting for my daughter in the car.

It’s easy to recognize your illustrations. How has your style changed over time?

When I applied to university, my drawing style was rather naturalist. I wanted to depict everything exactly as it looked in real life. I used pencils for these works that allowed me to erase the parts I didn’t like and redrew them, so I spent quite some time with one drawing. I always admired those drawers who captured a moment within minutes. I challenged myself by trying to draw with ink that can’t be erased, and here I am.

When did you start drawing pictures of the buildings and moments of Budapest?