An interview with graphic designers Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima of MiraLima

MiraLima were the graphic designers on the Harry Potter film series. They created all sorts of printed materials for use within the films as props, and they have just launched a collection of limited edition fine art prints of those props, which are available at The Printorium. I was intrigued to find out more about what makes them tick…

What’s the most important thing to know about you?

M: I get extremely “hangry” (hungry + angry!)

E: I’m very loyal.

Describe a really good day and a really bad day in the life of Miraphora Mina?

M: A good day is crossing the pedestrian bridge at Waterloo early in the morning, being productive (in anything), being silly with my son and best friend. A bad day is waking up too early, being stuck on the underground or stuck for ideas.

Describe a really good day and a really bad day in the life of Eduardo Lima?

E: A good day is a routine Saturday with my beloved in Crouch End; food shopping, pilates & second-hand book hunting. A bad day is when things don’t go according to plan!

What inspires your ideas?

Both: Looking, looking, looking… and laughing.

Describe the process you go through to turn your ideas into products.

Both: Hard work, imagination and laughter.

What advice would you give to an aspiring Graphic Designer

Both: A combination of the above. Grasp challenges, and stay light-hearted. Buy yourself one new reference book every week, on ANY subject that captures your imagination… oh, and don’t leave everything to the last minute!

Desert island design time; which three designed items could you not live without?

Both:

Scalpel Knife with 10A blade

A nibbed pen – with ink

Moleskin sketchbook

…sorry Apple!

What are you most proud of?

M: My son, and creating employment for talented young designers

E: Carving a life for myself in a new country with my beloved.

What’s next for you?

The printorium.com. Unusual publishing collaborations with Harper Design & Chronicle Books.

And, finally, what’s your favourite colour?!

M: Red

E: Green