IllustrationX - Coty Borio portfolio

Birds, flowers, tropical plants, jungles, tigers – nature in abundance leaps to the fore in the work of Argentine illustrator Coty Borio. Her imagery is full of vibrant colours and rich in texture, while at the same time finding the perfect balance between richness and clarity, leading the viewer through a vision that’s full of wonder but never overwhelming.

Based in Palma de Mallorca, Coty’s creative background is in traditional painting, which informed her transition to digital when she taught herself to use Procreate in 2020, authentically replicating the textures and brush strokes of natural media. Quickly, her own personal style emerged – a unique way of seeing and drawing the natural world and the female form – which she applies across editorial and publishing, advertising, packaging and surface pattern design. Clients enjoy working with Coty because of her attention to detail, original ideas and her willingness to explore a variety of creative directions. Stylistically, Coty is inspired by Mexican and Wixárika folk art; great European artists like Bosch, Gaudí and Matisse; and the textile traditions of Brazil, India and Morocco.

Approach

“I use colour to create a kind of visual rhythm, with different tones interacting throughout the composition. I enjoy filling my images with elements, patterns and textures, while carefully balancing them so that the richness does not become chaotic. My background in traditional painting has led me to incorporate textures that retain a tactile, handmade feel in my digital work,” says Coty.

Key software

Procreate

Style

Coty’s illustrations are vibrant, exuberant, detailed and maximalist. There is a naïve quality to the simplicity of the forms, while texture, creative technique, detail and colour elevate the experience for the viewer as she creates complex yet harmonious visions of the natural world and the female figure.