DREAM. CREATE. INSPIRE.
I’m Gabor Estefan, a freelance illustrator and designer from London, currently working remotely from sunny Sicily. I create visuals that are bold, colourful, and full of life. My style takes inspiration from retro design, blending it with fresh modern elements to create work that feels stylish, timeless, and captivating for today’s audiences.
For almost a decade, I have worked with clients across the world, from businesses and agencies to publishers, helping them bring their ideas to life through illustration, branding, design, and photography. What matters most to me is creating work that feels genuine and personal, something that reflects both the client’s story and my own love for creativity.
I know how hard it is to stand out in a crowded market. Businesses struggle to grab attention, connect with their audience, and often face the challenge of finding the right creative who can consistently deliver original, high-quality work in a world oversaturated with AI-generated visuals. That is where I come in. My illustrations and designs are not just visuals, they are tools for real human connection. They help brands cut through the noise, tell their story in an authentic way, and attract loyal customers who truly resonate with their message.
Every project for me is an opportunity to add more joy, colour, and meaning to the world while helping my clients grow. Whether you’re looking for a unique illustration, a full brand refresh, or a campaign that makes people stop and look, I bring thoughtful ideas, attention to detail, and a strong sense of originality to the table. If you’re ready to collaborate on something special, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me at opencreativeworld@gmail.com
Interview with Karen Haller:
“Life is art, live yours in color”
FAQs About My Creative Journey
What started your career in digital design?
I began my artistic career as a photographer in 2017, during a difficult period in my life. Photography became a therapeutic outlet for me, helping to heal my soul. I spent countless hours walking through the streets of London, capturing colourful places, like Notting Hill, and unique subjects like vintage cars. I travelled a lot, and sharing photos from my adventures became a passion of mine.
My colourful, travel-inspired photos have a painting-like quality, influenced by artists like Matt Crump and Arielle Vey and their colourful creations. I also experimented with portrait photography and collaborated with social media influencers. Eventually, my work gained popularity, especially in the US, and I was featured in magazines while creating content for brands.
My goal was always to bring joy and happiness to people and make the world a more colourful, liveable place. Despite London’s often grey weather, I used my creativity to find beauty in unexpected places, turning the mundane into something extraordinary.
When COVID-19 hit and the city was under lockdown, I could no longer go out to take photos, I had to find a new way to channel my creativity and do something interesting and useful while I was at home. That’s when I bought an iPad and started learning Adobe Illustrator through online courses. I quickly realized that creating images from scratch gave me far more creative freedom than editing photos. I could experiment with colours, textures, and compositions in ways I couldn’t before.
I started developing my own illustration style, drawing on my experience as a photographer. The transition to digital art has been incredibly rewarding, and today, while I still enjoy photography, my main focus is on illustrations and designs. I love the flexibility digital art offers. It allows me to work remotely and push the boundaries of my creativity.
From the rainy London to the sunny Sicily.
What inspires your work the most?
My work is inspired by a desire to spread joy, happiness, and positivity, as well as by the changing seasons and my love for nature. I often incorporate elements of nature, alongside vibrant colours, to reflect the beauty I see in the world. I avoid copying other artists and strive to develop my own unique style. While I’m inspired by the work of others, I ensure that my final illustrations and designs reflect my distinct artistic vision.
One of my recurring inspirations is the groovy style of the 1970s. I’m drawn to the joyful and colourful nature of retro art, with its playful elements like rainbows, smiley faces, and vibrant colours. This style is easy to create and universally appealing.
Living in Sicily, Italy, has also significantly influenced my work. The warm weather, delicious food, friendly people, and beautiful seaside walks have created a highly inspiring environment. I often incorporate elements of Italian culture and landscapes into my illustrations. I moved to Sicily a year ago to work remotely, seeking a place where I could focus my energy on passion projects and building my creative business. Life in the UK had become overwhelmingly stressful, and I had to choose between burnout and freedom. I chose freedom. Italy has always been my dream destination, and now I can fully immerse myself in my art.
Does your work have any particular meaning to it?
I infuse my work with hidden symbols that represent my personal beliefs and passions. As a spiritual person who believes in the power of the universe, I incorporate symbols like the sun, birds, flowers, eyes, vintage cars, palm trees, and sparkles. These symbols reflect my love for freedom, travel, new adventures, and the belief that dreams and desires can become reality.
My journey to becoming a full-time artist and moving to my favourite country is a testament to that belief. Ultimately, my art is a reflection of who I am, my experiences, beliefs, and aspirations. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace a positive, optimistic outlook on life and pursue their own dreams.
How do you create your designs?
I primarily create my designs using my iPad Pro, although I also have a powerful computer available. The iPad’s portability allows me to work comfortably from anywhere, whether it’s in bed, while watching TV, or even on an aeroplane. This flexibility ensures that I can capture inspiration whenever it strikes.
My primary tool is Adobe Illustrator, which I prefer over Procreate due to its vector-based capabilities. Vector graphics offer several advantages, such as the ability to resize designs without compromising quality and the ease of recolouring elements. Additionally, I appreciate the wide range of features and tools available within the Adobe Creative Cloud.
While some artists begin with sketches, I prefer to jump directly into creating in Illustrator. If I have a clear vision for a design, I can visualize the composition and colour palette in my mind. I start by drawing the line art version of the design, carefully arranging and composing the elements. Then, I add colours, limiting my palette to avoid overwhelming the design. I generally leave the outlines of the designs for better contrast, but this is not always the case.
I just love the feeling of sitting down with my iPad, surrounded by my favourite music and letting my imagination run wild. The flexibility of digital art allows me to experiment and explore different ideas without fear of making mistakes. It’s a liberating and enjoyable process that fuels my creativity. I constantly have new ideas and can spend hours drawing until my body tells me it’s time to go for a walk and give my eyes a rest. I need to learn how and when to take breaks because I am so lost in the process of creating something new and beautiful.
Featured artist! The Origin Magazine, 2020, 2021 & 2023, 2024…
I have been featured as an artist in the prestigious Origin Magazine not once, but five times! Also in The London Magazine and Mantra Magazine two times. You can see my photos in the Colorful World by Mira Mikati fashion designer and in the book called Adventurers by Accidentally Wes Anderson.
Transform your ideas into vibrant, colourful art with my expert photography, illustration, and graphic design services.
Photography services:
- Tailored Photography Solutions
- Image Licensing
- Captivating Portraits
- Memorable Event Coverage
- Stunning Travel Imagery
- Stylish Fashion Shoots
- Authentic Lifestyle Photography
- Engaging Social Media Content
- Expert Image Enhancement
Illustration services:
- Bespoke Illustrations
- Publishing Visuals
- Marketing & Advertising Art
- Product Visualization
- Fashion & Textile Illustration
- Digital & Web Graphics
- Public Art & Murals
Graphic Design services:
- Comprehensive Branding
- Memorable Logos
- Brand Identity Guidelines
- Social Media Graphics
- Website Design Elements
- Professional Business Cards
- Effective Print Materials
