Meet the artist: Rocío Espin

Rocío worked as an architect from 2006-2008 before becoming an illustrator from 2008. In addition to working with Karwansaray Publishers, Rocío has worked for several publications dedicated to history and archaeology, such as the National Geographic, collaborated with museums and archaeology research groups, and has occasionally developed editorial projects for companies dedicated to role-playing games and video games, such as RuneQuest and Assassin’s Creed.

What is your preferred style, e.g., traditional, digital, or hybrid?

I love the traditional style. I still do watercolours on my own, but the hybrid technique is much speedier and allows the artist to make corrections. I tend to look for digital tools that approach illustrations with the warmth of traditional drawing.

What is your creative process, e.g., is there a particular place you like to work?

There is no single way to work; each assignment requires a different approach. Sometimes I start using Google Earth or I do more hand-drawn analogue work (drawing by pencil over an old planimetry of a building). For weapons, I directly draw everything in digital using pictures as a reference.

Do you have a favourite piece you have made for Ancient History or Ancient Warfare in the past?

I loved the piece ‘Constantinople in AD 360’, but I really enjoyed the artwork I did of Lepcis Magna and Artemision Temple. I love to make cutaways showing scenes of daily life inside those places.

Do you have a particular favourite ancient historical period or type of event you like to illustrate, e.g., Ancient Greece, battles, or architectural reconstructions?

I love old architecture and history – I have no preference. Everything is a wonderful opportunity to learn and a new challenge to depict it in my illustrations!