Revisiting our conversation with Fran Ferriz

Today, we wish to revisit a special interview we conducted with Fran Ferriz, an internationally recognised illustrator and graphic novelist, distinguished by Luerzer’s Archive as one of the top 200 digital artists in the world.

Fran joined our collection with three illustrations—one of which was generously donated by the artist himself—and an original copy of his book Yo también tengo miedo, a creative testament that aligns with our commitment: to utilise art as a vehicle for inclusion and social transformation.

“Art exists to provoke. And if my illustrations assist someone in feeling less alone, they have already achieved their purpose.”

In this conversation, Ferriz discussed his trajectory as an illustrator and writer, yet primarily focused on how mental health permeates his work. Yo también tengo miedo is a graphic and narrative journey that blends humour and pain, chaos and redemption, through Dante, a protagonist with mental health disorders who learns to accept his shadows. A fresh, necessary, and profoundly human proposal.

The value of this addition to the Esteban-Ruiz Collection is twofold: it enhances its artistic heritage and strengthens the mission of raising awareness regarding mental health through accessible languages capable of connecting with diverse audiences.

Today, in revisiting this interview, we celebrate the honesty of an artist who demonstrates how the graphic novel and illustration can initiate essential dialogues regarding what it signifies to live, to feel, and to accept.

Fran, you have traversed a most interesting path to arrive at illustration and the graphic novel. Could you share with us what initially motivated you to explore graphic art and how your career has evolved to this point?

I have enjoyed drawing for as long as I can remember, and I always knew I wished to earn a living from it, to dedicate my life to art. Fortunately, to this day, I have been able to do so. I have worked as a graphic and industrial designer, a toy designer, an editorial illustrator, a conceptual artist for film, and as a writer. And I continue to find enjoyment in it.

Your latest work is both personal and universal in its themes. What inspired you to address mental health in such an open and unique manner in Yo también tengo miedo?

It is a subject that has interested me for many years; I have always expressed my feelings through drawing, and now I wished to write a novel about it. I suppose the fact of having been diagnosed with various mental health disorders has caused the subject to interest me increasingly.

Creating a graphic novel that addresses such delicate subjects as mental disorders must be a significant challenge. What was the creative process for this work, and what challenges did you encounter when illustrating such complex themes?

Perhaps the most difficult aspect was looking within myself. It is not an autobiography, yet the protagonist shares many things with me, and although it is a work of fiction, there is much truth within it. In writing “Yo también tengo miedo”, I have laughed, I have suffered, I have wept, and I have enjoyed. I have attempted to address the subject from my personal experience. I am not a psychologist, nor does the book intend to be a self-help manual; I simply recount the story of someone with certain disorders and how he ends up accepting and understanding himself.

What impact do you hope your book will have on readers, and what type of feedback have you received thus far from those who have engaged with the work?

I simply hope that people enjoy reading it and are left with a pleasant impression upon finishing the novel. I approached this subject through pain, yet also through humour, and I believe that anyone may find themselves identified in one way or another with the characters in the book. Thus far, the comments and reviews have been highly positive.

At the Kripties Foundation, we firmly believe in the power of art to foster social change and inclusion. From your perspective, how can art, and specifically the graphic novel, contribute to the improvement of society, particularly among young people?

I always maintain that art is what renders us human and distinguishes us from other living beings. Art exists to provoke in the broadest sense of the verb. In the case of my illustrations regarding mental health, I believe I have succeeded in ensuring that many people see themselves reflected in them and, consequently, feel that they are not alone.

On many occasions, artists find a source of inspiration in their own experiences. Are there elements of your personal life reflected in the story of Dante?

Yes, there is undoubtedly much of myself in Dante, although the entire story is fiction. The character shares the same disorders and many experiences with me, even though the narrative itself is invented.

How do you believe visual narrative can assist in destigmatising and promoting a greater understanding of mental health?

For the moment, it has already been achieved that mental health is a topic of conversation for everyone, and that is a significant accomplishment in itself. In my case, I began illustrating this subject over a decade ago; I have not simply joined a trend, and I believe that the mere act of discussing it and displaying it is a giant step forward. Something as simple as acknowledging that we are not well and speaking about it is of the utmost importance.

Following Yo también tengo miedo, do you plan to continue exploring similar themes in future works, or are you interested in venturing into new genres or subjects?

I believe that since I began with my first two novels in the “Cosas Terribles” saga, of which I am currently completing the third instalment, I have demonstrated an interest in these themes, and although I may change genres in the future, I believe there will always be an element of this present in my characters.

Would you offer any advice to emerging artists who wish to use their art to address complex subjects?

I would tell them to be courageous, as the artists emerging now are those who will tell the stories of the coming years. Being an artist, particularly in Spain, is not exactly easy, but it is undoubtedly a profession that returns everything you invest, especially regarding the affection of the public and the fans.

Have you been proposed a monographic exhibition? Would you be inclined to undertake one with us?

I am currently exhibiting in my home city, Villena, within the framework of the Estigma Festival, a festival specifically focused on mental health. Previously, I exhibited in Benidorm alongside other illustrators a series of illustrations concerning the lockdown and the pandemic, which was very well received.

Of course, I would be inclined to exhibit with you.

Rest assured that we shall take you up on that offer shortly.