Breaking into a career, breaking out from the pack, breaking down barriers, making a breakthrough—why does impending success have to be akin to something breaking?
Eva and Marta Yarza, aka the Yarza Twins—PRINT New Visual Artists in 2016—said in that issue that good design is “knowing the rules and breaking them.” As they launched their successful design careers, everything else stayed intact—most importantly, the twin’s dynamic and supportive relationship as sisters, collaborators, and business partners.
The twins grew up drawing in their hometown of Vigo, Spain, before moving to London to study. Eva finished her degree in art and then immediately started her master’s. Marta finished her degree a year later in construction engineering and then joined Eva at Central Saint Martins in London, where they both graduated with master’s degrees in communication design.
Then, a few doors opened—most notably, an internship for Eva at Sagmeister & Walsh in New York in 2014. While Eva was working at Magpie Studio and Marta was freelancing in London, they were motivated to submit their work to PRINT New Visual Artists for the 2016 class.
And more doors opened.
We were motivated by the impulse that being on the list would give to our career.
Marta Yarza, 2024
Clockwise, concept cover for PRINT; designs for AIGA’s “Quoted” project | from PRINT Magazine, Summer 2016
People started taking us more seriously and we felt that for once someone gave us a chance.
Marta Yarza, 2024
Today, as Yarza Twins, the award-winning design studio based in London and Paris, their projects range from large-scale commissions that reach broad audiences to initiatives with social and cultural impact. They’ve launched brands, campaigns, editorial designs, websites, illustrations, retail products, and experiences. Their clients range from global food, tech, music, and retail companies to independent artists, startups, and institutions.
Yes, break the rules. Break down some walls. But also be sure to notice the doors in your path, just waiting for a knock.
Like this one: the PRINT New Visual Artists 2024 competition is accepting entries through August 20.