Jonathan Atilio Flores Figueroa / LICC 2024 Winner

 

Interview with Jonathan Atilio Flores Figueroa, winner of LICC 2024 in the Professional ILLUSTRATE category — a celebration of his standout project “Cinema Infographics 2023”. Expect insight into Jonathan’s creative process, his inspirations, and what drove the success of his winning work.

 

 

 

 

Your “Cinema Infographics 2023” series for Diario El Salvador offers a unique visual perspective on cinema and streaming. What inspired you to create these infographics, and how did you approach blending journalism with graphic design?

The inspiration came from my desire to tell stories about cinema through a visual journalistic language. I have always been fascinated by how a film not only entertains but also reflects an era, an aesthetic, and a cultural conversation. I wanted to translate that universe into an accessible and appealing format where information and design complement each other. In each infographic, I aim for the visual narrative to maintain journalistic rigor—with verified data and context—while evoking the emotion and rhythm of cinema. That fusion between informative analysis and cinematic aesthetics defines the essence of the project.

The infographics cover a wide range of topics within the film industry. How do you decide which themes or films to highlight, and what research process do you undertake to ensure accuracy and depth?

The selection of topics begins with the cultural and media impact of each film or cinematic phenomenon. I seek subjects that connect with public interest while offering informative value beyond the box office. The process starts by observing trends, reading reviews, and consulting official sources, databases, and international awards. Each infographic is built upon rigorous research but presented in a synthetic, visual, and narrative way, allowing readers to understand in seconds what would normally take several articles to explain.

Given your background in journalism and graphic design, how do you balance the informative aspects with the artistic elements in your work?

For me, balance comes from understanding that form and content should not compete but enhance each other. Design must be an extension of the message. In my projects, every visual decision—typography, color, composition, or rhythm—serves to achieve clarity and emotional resonance. Aesthetics are not meant to decorate but to help the reader understand. My journalistic training helps me stay focused on information, while design gives life and structure to the story.

The double-page spreads in the Art & Culture section are visually striking. Can you discuss the design choices you made to enhance readability and engagement for the readers?

In each double-page spread, I aimed for a balance between visual impact and narrative flow. The design needed to invite readers to pause, explore the details, and enjoy the visual journey. To achieve this, I worked with clear visual hierarchies, generous white space, and color palettes that evoked the atmosphere of the featured film. I also considered the reading experience in print, ensuring that the layout worked both aesthetically and functionally within the newspaper format.

Your work has been recognized internationally, including in Spain, Colombia, Mexico, and Asia. How has this global recognition influenced your creative approach and professional opportunities?

International recognition has been both a motivation and a responsibility. It has shown me that visual language can transcend borders and connect with diverse audiences. Each mention or award reinforces my commitment to quality and innovation while encouraging me to explore new visual storytelling approaches. It has opened doors to collaboration and inspired me to experiment with more conceptual perspectives without losing the informative essence of graphic journalism.

Collaborating with Diario El Salvador, how do you navigate the editorial process to align your creative vision with the publication’s objectives?

Working with Diario El Salvador has been a process of dialogue and mutual trust. The editorial team values and respects my creative vision, allowing me a high degree of artistic freedom to explore concepts and visual storytelling. In addition, the frequent and constant dialogue with the editorial team allows me to explore topics beyond cinema, such as science, art, national history, and entertainment. This collaboration has been key to consolidating the identity of the project while maintaining journalistic integrity and giving me the space to innovate and experiment.

What role do you believe infographics play in modern journalism, especially in conveying complex information in an accessible and engaging manner?

Infographics are an essential tool in contemporary journalism. In an era dominated by immediacy and information overload, they condense large amounts of data into a clear and engaging narrative. They not only inform but also educate, contextualize, and spark curiosity. In the cultural and cinematic sphere, they help build a deeper understanding of audiovisual art, transforming information into a visual and emotional experience.

As a journalist and graphic designer, how do you stay updated with trends in both fields, and how do you incorporate new techniques into your work?

I stay in constant learning, observing how visual languages and digital narratives evolve. I follow international media, design festivals, and data visualization trends closely. But I also find inspiration in art, photography, and classic cinema, as I believe innovation arises from merging the new with the timeless. Every new technique or tool I adopt must bring clarity and meaning—not just aesthetic novelty.

Winning the LICC award is a significant achievement. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

Being named Artist of the Year and one of the six professional winners at the London International Creative Competition is an honor that fills me with gratitude. It represents not only recognition for my work but also for the vision of uniting journalism with visual art. Professionally, it reaffirms my belief that graphic communication can have a cultural and educational impact. Personally, it is a reminder that passion and consistency can transcend geographical and emotional boundaries. I’m deeply thankful to the LICC jury for valuing this project and for promoting creativity that informs, inspires, and connects people around the world.

Looking ahead, are there any upcoming projects or themes you’re excited to explore in your future work?

Yes, I’m interested in continuing to explore the relationship between cinema and other visual disciplines, such as music and fashion, from a journalistic perspective. I also want to develop projects that integrate animation and interactive storytelling to expand the reach of infographics beyond print. In addition, I would love to publish a book featuring my infographics and create a traveling exhibition in cultural spaces, allowing audiences to experience this visual language in a more tangible and educational way. My goal is to keep building bridges between information, art, and emotion—so that each piece invites the viewer to see and think differently.