Triple award for LABASAD lecturers at the Junceda 2024 Awards: Talent that inspires and teaches future illustrators

Three professors from the Online Master’s in Editorial and Advertising Illustration at LABASAD have been awarded at the prestigious Junceda Awards 2024, a key event in the illustration world that highlights creativity and excellence across various disciplines. These awards, organised annually by the Professional Association of Illustrators of Catalonia (APIC), recognise the most innovative works in fields such as animation, editorial illustration, comics, product design, and advertising. The awardees, Miguel Porlan, Martín Tognola, and Clara-Iris Ramos, stand out not only for their artistic talent but also for their valuable educational contributions at LABASAD, where they help shape the next generation of illustrators. This achievement highlights the quality of their work and reinforces the strength of the institution’s academic programme, which provides advanced training in line with current market trends and needs.

In the Advertising category, Miguel Porlan received an award (ex aequo) for his campaign ‘Millor amb transport públic’ (Better with Public Transport), created for Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB). Drawing inspiration from the colours of public transport, Porlan created images full of humour and vitality that reflect everyday scenes from a unique and fresh perspective. This project stands out not only for its impeccable technique but also for its ability to emotionally connect with the audience. With an established career in international press and collaborations with publications such as The New Yorker and The New York Times, Porlan is known for his ability to convey complex ideas with clear and effective visual storytelling.

Meanwhile, in the Animation category, Martín Tognola was recognised for his project ‘Baúl de bulos’ (Trunk of Lies), developed for La Vanguardia. This work is celebrated for its ingenuity and its ability to communicate profound messages through minimalist animation, demonstrating that significant impact can be achieved without large resources. With a career that began in Argentina and has seen him collaborate with international media such as The Wall Street Journal and The Telegraph, Tognola has proven himself to be a versatile illustrator, capable of adapting to different formats and styles. Additionally, his experience spans both the editorial and comic book realms, and he is the co-author of works such as Barcelona Low Cost and La Furgo.

In the Adult Fiction Book category, Clara-Iris Ramos was recognised (ex aequo) for her illustrations in the book ¿Y si nos replanteamos el canibalismo? (What If We Rethought Cannibalism?). With a blend of rawness and wild humour, Ramos tackles a taboo topic from a bold and innovative perspective. Her illustrations not only complement the narrative of the book but also add a visual layer that invites the reader to reflect and question preconceived ideas. In addition to her artistic work, Clara-Iris combines her practice with teaching at the Escola Massana and doctoral research exploring the intersection between micro-publishing and graphic culture in the post-digital age. This experimental and multidisciplinary approach is reflected in each of her works, which are as thought-provoking as they are visually striking.

These achievements not only celebrate the individual talent of the awardees but also underscore the relevance of LABASAD’s training programmes. The institution offers a wide range of specialised Master’s degrees in illustration that cover various areas and approaches. The Online Master’s in Editorial and Advertising Illustration, where the awardees teach, is designed to train illustrators capable of tackling editorial and advertising projects from the initial concept through to the final execution. This programme not only equips students with the necessary tools and techniques but also encourages the development of a personal visual language, essential for standing out in a competitive market.

Additionally, LABASAD complements its educational offering with two other Master’s programmes that broaden specialisation opportunities. The Online Master’s in Illustration: Techniques and Applications in Spanish focuses on the technical foundations and resources of contemporary illustration, providing students with both practical and theoretical training that prepares them to handle any type of graphic project. This programme is aimed at both professionals in visual communication and those wishing to pursue a career in illustration.

On the other hand, the Online Master’s in Illustrated Books and Comics in Spanish approaches illustration from a narrative perspective, exploring how to construct visual stories through character design, scripts, storytelling, and narrative time management. This Master’s is ideal for those looking to specialise in comics and illustrated books, combining theory and practice to train professionals who can lead projects in both commercial and more experimental author-driven fields.

The diversity of LABASAD’s programmes reflects the vast possibilities that illustration offers in the contemporary world. From advertising to animation, through illustrated books and comics, the institution stands as a benchmark in the training of visual storytellers. The recent recognitions at the Junceda Awards not only validate the quality of its teaching staff but also the holistic approach of its educational programmes, which prepare students to lead the future of visual communication.

At LABASAD, illustration is not just an artistic tool but a powerful medium for communication, emotion, and inspiration. If you wish to turn your passion for illustration into a professional career, LABASAD’s programmes are the perfect place to start.

To learn more about LABASAD and our Online Master’s degrees, contact us at [email protected]. Discover how to take the next step in your professional career and open doors to new opportunities in the world of digital design.