Fede Yankelevich was born in Madrid in 1982 and grew up in a nearby town called El Escorial, where his parents worked as architects. In their studio, he discovered as a child that drawing could be both a profession and a kind of magic. The curious tools they used day after day to create perspective illustrations also became familiar to him.
After working for a time as a designer and graphic artist, he decided to focus on illustration starting in 2007. Since then, he has worked for various press outlets, publishers, communication studios, and advertising agencies. He currently lives in Madrid.
author
Luciana Trost
,
Ale Mottesi
Date
February 16, 2026
Art
Editorial
Modern
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WHAT DOES ART MEAN TO YOU?
Federico Yankelevich
“Freezing your ass off,” just kidding. For me, it is the result of an encounter between the work of one person (not necessarily an artist) and another who experiences that work. In this way, one can enjoy a traditional or haute cuisine dish in the same way as a concert, a painting exhibition, or an adventure novel. First comes work well done, and then evaluations will follow.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK?
F.Y.
A draftsman with a certain pictorial tendency, focused on editorial illustration.
When did you first connect with art?
F.Y.
Going back to the first question, from the day I was born.
What motivates you to create your works and to be creative?
F.Y.
Everything, but you have to be willing to do it.
"(Art) is the result of an encounter between the work of one person (...) and another who experiences that work."
WHAT TECHNIQUES DO YOU USE?
F.Y.
India ink mainly, watercolors, acrylics, and pen nib.
WHO ARE YOUR ARTISTIC INFLUENCES?
F.Y.
My visual influences (draftsmen and painters) are countless, really. Some guide my work, others help me dream. To name a few that come to mind: Käthe Kollwitz, Carl Thiemann, Brad Holland, Isaac Levitan, Francisco de Goya, Mariano Fortuny (father), George Bellows, Giorgio de Chirico, René Magritte, Daniel Gil, Hergé, and of course Alberto Breccia, Hugo Pratt, Moebius, Sergio Toppi, Dino Battaglia, etc.
"How would you describe your work? A draftsman with a certain pictorial tendency, focused on editorial illustration."
HOW DO YOU APPROACH STARTING A NEW WORK OR COLLECTION?
F.Y.
I am not particularly methodical. That said, I usually do not work with expensive materials, in order to avoid feeling inhibited when taking risks.
OUTSIDE OF ART, WHAT HOBBIES OR ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY?
F.Y.
I play drums in a band; there I can definitely say we do not make art, haha. I like watching films, reading, going for walks in the countryside, cooking, sleeping.
Any plans for this year? Are you currently working on any projects?
F.Y.
Yes, but I prefer not to say anything until things are more advanced.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO PURSUE ART OR IS JUST BEGINNING THEIR JOURNEY?
F.Y.
To find the way of working that brings them the most enjoyment, and from there everything will turn out well.
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