Graphic Designer, Illustrator and some kind of animator. That’s how the Mexican based designer describes himself. But we caught up with Manuel to find out a little bit more about the man behind the work.
[B2B] Hi, Manuel. First things first – which football team do you support?
[MR] Pumas UNAM, and Liverpool (from about 4 years ago haha)
[B2B] How long have you been illustrating for?
[MR] I’ve been drawing since I was a kid but professionally, as an illustrator, I have been working ever since I graduated from Graphic Design back in 2010.
[B2B] Where do you get your inspiration for all of your work?
[MR] Mainly football nostalgia, 90's memories specifically.
[B2B] What is your favourite illustration to date?
[MR] I don't know. I think the sniffin' Fowler is a cool one hehe.
[B2B] What illustration has had the biggest reaction across social media for you so far?
[MR] So far the animated goal from Chéryshev against Arabia in the 2018 Russian World Cup, has had the biggest reach.
B2B] Do you have any specific projects, new ideas you want to explore, that you can tell us about?
[MR] I’d like to reinvent my personal project "FEEFA INC”, an embroidered t-shirts brand. It focuses on iconic football moments and characters.
[B2B] What would be a dream project for you?
[MR] Not especially. It’s all about keeping on doing what I am doing. Which is animating and illustrating football. I've worked for Adidas and other brands, as well as collaborated with other groups to produce illustrated football books like, "My First Football Shirt" and "Season Annual". Currently I'm animating for Barrilete Cósmico which is a digital medium focussed on football Illustration here in Mexico.
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You can view more of Manuel Rios’ work here.
Imagery: Copyright Manuel Rios
Instagram: @el_pollo_rios