Artist Bio
Luca Ionescu is internationally renowned for his branding and logo work. Combining his unique style with strong ideas to deliver a message, Luca has worked alongside major brands like Zoo York, MTV America, Nike, Etnies, Reebok, VH1 and Stussy to name a few.
Luca founded Refill Magazine in 2003, a much respected niche publication for designers and artists of all disciplines. In 2006, he established Like Minded Studio, with the vision of creating cutting edge design solutions that propel brands forward. He has most recently worked as the curator of Refill Seven, a world first exploring the idea of lasering through the 7 layers of ply on a skateboard deck to create distinctive graphics, which has been exhibited in Sydney, and Japan and soon to travel to New York, L.A, and Europe.
Interview
How did you first get into it?
I started studying Graphic Design at the Enmore SIT in 96 shortly after leaving High School, but my interest in art came from as far back as I can remember.
I have always been drawing, so after school it progressed into design. I started off freelancing, then got a gig at the Attik in 2000, a UK outfit which had just launched their Sydney office at the time. The people I met there and the design skills I picked up laid the foundations to my design career. After a few years I left the Attik to freelance again, and have been doing so ever since under Keep Left Studio and now Like Minded. In 2001 I curated a show with Futura 2000, a NY artist, whose artwork I followed since I started listening to Mowax records at college. His trip out had a big influence on me and so I started up Refill Magazine. This opened a new avenue to collaborate with artists as well as give back to the community through different art shows and events. I now run Like Minded Studio with 3 others and work on clients such as Nike, Stussy, MTV, and other entertainment and media clients. We have also launched refillseven.com, the first worldwide exhibition of lasered skateboard art.
Who are your major influences?
I like all types of design and art so it’s hard to narrow down only several influences. But I would have to say, Otl Aicher, Muller Brockmann, Massimo Vignelly, Milton Glaser, Pentagram, Pablo Ferro, Herb Lubalin, for logo and typography as well as the early 20th century typography such as old wood type, and spencarian penmanship. Also the design from the 30’s Bauhaus to modern day including logo and typography design from the 70s. Californian custom car culture, Pinstriping, old skate graphics, vintage movie poster typography including Italian, Thai and Bollywood, Japanese design in general.
Do you have a favourite piece of work/project you’ve created?
I’m happy with the 696 piece. I also recently completed, designs for Italian Motorcycle company Dainese working on helmets and suits. I found this to be a great new medium to work with and outside the norm of work I produce.
What did you want to do with your 696 design?
When I heard that TED is releasing a 696 bottle I immediately thought of TED as a character, probably because our dog boxers name is Ted. So I thought the Tooheys Stag on the bottle would be great with an elongated neck, putting an emphasis on the 696 long neck. I then wanted to add some personality to the character so I thought I would make him a kind of stag who has a taste for the finer things in life.
Anything else that the artist may want to talk about?
I think recently I have been blessed by my beautiful partner Bianca who has been the inspiration behind all my new work. In May she will be the most creative person in my life when she will be giving birth to our son.
More Work
