I’m a big fan of Ricardo Gimenes. He’s a talented illustrator with a great sense of humor.
His portfolio is amazing and his blog is a fantastic collection of funny illustrations based on the stories behind the coolest websites.
I really had a great time talking with Ricardo about various things and i hope that you will enjoy this interview!

How did you get started as an illustrator?

I’ve been studying since I was thirteen. Later I graduated in Art and Communication from the Panamericana School of Art and Design in São Paulo also I have learned quite a lot of computer skills by myself, like Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, etc.

You worked in several countries (Brazil, Japan, Germany, UK and Italy). Which one has the best working atmosphere for you?

Definitely Japan, Tokyo is the best place for designer, the most colourful city in the world, you can find good references anywhere.

Can you explain us from where comes the idea of “Behind the Websites”?

I started ‘Behind’ three days before my birthday. Behind The Websites was a gift to myself. For a long time I thought about starting a blog with illustrations; as personal project. The purpose was to become rich, very rich. But my plan didn’t work and I decided to illustrate just for fun. More than anything Behind The Websites is my hobby.

What are your favourite design sites?

I have lots of favourites sites, but recently I found Jim Carrey’s official website http://www.jimcarrey.com/ – good music, sound effects and interesting navigation, I love psychedelic websites.

What does your average day consist of?

It’s hard to say because there is no routine, but basically I do the Behind the Websites’ illustration, develop the jobs that I was demanded (illustration, motion, web/graphic design) and internet surfing. I also have some meetings to attend, some new projects to develop or quotations to do.

What are your career aspirations?

To be honest I don’t plan my career. I just try to do what I like and keep myself updated about new techniques and technologies. This way I always have new projects and new challenges. It has been happening in my professional life. I started with illustrations and graphics design then I was asked to do web design and after that motion, etc.  But I would like to have an experience of making a movie for cinema.

How do you spend your free time?

Depend of how long it is, but usually I spend playing football, traveling with my wife, bookshops, watching movies, etc.

What are your favorite colors?

Black

Your favorite quote?

Always look on the bright side of life.

What’s was the first computer you owned?

Is was the ultra-fast Macintosh Quadra 605

What couldn’t you live without?

Apple, Illustrator and Wacom

An advice for our readers?

Yes. If you a have an iPhone go to ricardogimenes.com/wallpaper and download a beautiful wallpaper based on Behind the Website.