My Portugal Series: Ana Seixas
Ana Seixas is a Portuguese illustrator and ceramicist, known for her vibrant use of color, bold shapes, and quirky characters. Born in Viseu, Portugal, Ana studied Design at the University of Aveiro and later specialized in Editorial Design and Illustration in Barcelona.
Since 2012, Ana has focused on illustration commissions and creating print editions, illustrated goods, and ceramics. She has collaborated on magazines, children's books, and advertising campaigns. In 2020, she opened a shop in Porto, where she works with a small team to produce and showcase her creations.
At Portugalia Marketplace, we carry a number of Ana's whimsical ceramics, which have been a favorite among our customers.
Portugalia Marketplace: You were born in Viseu, Portugal, a city celebrated for its natural beauty, distinctive architecture, and rich wine culture. Could you share a bit about your upbringing there? How did your hometown influence your decision to pursue a career in the arts?
Ana Seixas: Growing up in Viseu, I had the chance to be surrounded by beautifully built and well-maintained buildings, gardens, parks, and the distinctively Portuguese-patterned cobblestone streets. Although it’s a small city, I frequently visited local museums, either with my school class or with my parents. This environment always encouraged and supported me in pursuing a career in the arts.
PM: You've studied design and illustration in both Portugal and Spain. How did their different cultural environments shape your approach to illustration and ceramics?
AS: I studied design in Portugal, with a broad approach to thinking, planning, and conceptualizing ideas into objects and communication strategies. However, it was a very tough environment, and I was primarily focused on earning a degree to secure a job. We were in the midst of a significant economic crisis, so I felt that pressure. When I moved to Barcelona, I realized I could navigate the crisis by taking freelance and temporary jobs (which weren’t as readily available in Viseu) while also figuring out what I wanted to pursue professionally to be happier in the future. I experienced a lot of sharing and growing together with friends and colleagues, and connected with other artists, something I had been missing in Portugal.
PM: Your work is known for its vibrant colors and bold, whimsical shapes. What are your main sources of inspiration?
AS: Daily life, my pets, nature, traveling, but most of all, my childhood memories. The books, toys and games I read and played with as a kid shaped my imagination.
PM: Your work spans a variety of mediums, from print editions to ceramic pieces. Is there one medium that excites you the most?
AS: I love ceramics. I think I’ve always been in love with working with clay since I first had the chance to explore this medium. I would also love to explore textiles, like Arraiolos, but I haven’t had the chance yet—or maybe the courage.
PM: In 2020, you opened your own shop in Porto. Can you share what inspired this decision and how having a physical space has impacted your creative process?
AS: I’ve always loved to sell my items and imagining that they will bring happiness to others. It feels like spreading small bits of joy through my work. When I started making ceramics and attending local markets, I realized how important it was not only for people to see the pieces but also for me to connect with customers and hear their feedback. Those are the main reasons I decided to open my shop.
In terms of creative process, once I opened the shop, I realized I would need to produce more repeatable pieces and fewer one-offs. So, I think that was what mostly changed: I now focus on creating a series of beautiful pieces that can be replicated. I also spend a lot of time on admin work, which makes it harder to have time solely for creating. It’s difficult to balance, but I get to do what I love, so it’s worth the struggle!
PM: Of all the projects you've worked on, is there one that stands out as your favorite? What made it particularly special or memorable for you?
AS: It’s hard to choose just one! But I particularly loved painting mural walls in my hometown in 2020, right after the lockdown. It was a wonderful experience to be close to my family after a difficult time apart and to return to Viseu and share my work with the community.
PM: In recent years, we've seen a surge of new artists and creatives in Portugal, celebrating both traditional and contemporary craftsmanship. How do you engage with the broader art community in the country? Do you connect with other artists or take part in collaborative projects?
AS: Yes! I do try to connect with other artists, especially to share business tips and discuss challenges with ceramics or logistics. However, I often find myself stuck in the studio or in front of the computer catching up on work, so I don’t do this as much as I’d like. I need to work on that!
PM: Finally, where can our readers follow you to stay updated on your latest projects?
AS: Instagram and my Newsletter!
