Welcome back to the Breakfast At Dominique’s blog! Spend some time today learning about Alejandro Mogollo, the artist who created “The Unchained Blend” artwork.
Can you explain a little bit about who you are and what you do?
“I’m a graphic artist from Spain and my work is mainly focused on Old Hollywood stars and Pop icons. I cannot think of a time I wasn’t drawing or creating as a kid. I studied Fine Arts in college and post graduated on Arts and Photography in Cornell Univ, NY. I was trained as a graphic designer and had worked as such for many years, but my interest now is on my illustration work. In the 2000’s I discovered digital art and shifted to that art form until now.”
What draws you to the iconic figures of our past?
“As they usually say, they don’t make them like that anymore. There’s a certain refinement about Old Hollywood stars that makes them apart. Obviously, the Hollywood machine worked very hard to create gods and goddesses, but some of them transcended that mold and became personalities on their own. A Crawford, a Garbo, a Dietrich. They were one of a kind, originals.”
Who and/or what, in particular, inspires you to create art of your own?
“I’ve been obsessed with classic movies from an early age. My parents were fans of Hollywood stars and their love for them passed on to me. So, I just have to see a clip, or a still from a movie to remind me what made me fall in love with them in the first place. It has to be associated with the emotional response I had watching the film. I’m not so interested in copying pictures from famous photoshoots. I prefer to create my own original images.”
We are so honored to have worked with you to create the artwork for “The Unchained Blend!” How did you go about crafting the piece? What makes it special to you?
“It was such a special and original project for me. As a graphic designer, I was used to design packaging but this one got me the chance to blend my two passions, design and Old Hollywood. I took many photo references, picking the exact look I had imagined and then created a unique artwork.”
What was the first Joan Crawford film you remember seeing?
“It was probably Johnny Guitar, and I remember the magnetism and the intensity of her performance that made an impression on me.”
Is there something about Joan Crawford that stands out as special to you?
“She was the ultimate star. She understood what it entailed and was never coy about it. Like she said: “If you’re going to be a star, you have to look like a star, and I never go out unless I look like Joan Crawford the movie star. If you want to see the girl next door, go next door.””
You have a new book out. Can you share all about it and what makes it unique?
“The idea was to pay homage to the leading ladies of Hollywood Golden Age, especially those that made an indelible mark on the collective minds. I emphasized glamour and style but also certain personalities that became iconic and even pioneering at the time.”
Alejandro’s book is available to purchase here.
Please mention anything else you’d like to share with readers!
“It’s such a pleasure to speak with you and to have collaborated on the artwork for “The Unchained Blend” together.
That it was a pleasure working in this special project that also brought me the opportunity to help a dog rescue, Hounds in Pounds. A cause so close to my heart.”
Dominique Benedict is the founder and owner of Breakfast At Dominique’s. Her favorite topics include classic everything from movies to music to cars and the 90s film, Dazed and Confused.