A Blog: Fellow Sisters

Fellowsisters is freelance illustrator María Castelló based in Barcelona. This was her blog site for several years.
Content is from the site's first post in January of 2008 -through selected archived posts to Dec 22 of 2010.
Enjoy the nostalgic trip back to María Castello's thoughts, artwork, and observations.

As a New York City managing agent, I spend my days balancing the practicalities of property, logistics, and human dynamics — managing timelines, navigating bureaucracy, and keeping countless moving parts aligned. But when I discovered FellowSisters.com and immersed myself in María Castelló’s illustrations, I was reminded of the other kind of structure that gives life meaning: the architecture of imagination.

Her drawings radiate a quiet, deliberate craftsmanship that I find deeply grounding. The same attention I give to a lease clause or a structural report, she gives to the curve of a line or the interplay of light and shadow — only her work speaks to the spirit rather than the building code. As someone who admires precision, I’m in awe of how she captures warmth and complexity within such controlled compositions.

I’ve long admired how Castelló, a Barcelona-based freelancer, built an international presence through collaboration and authenticity rather than corporate infrastructure. That’s no small feat. For an artist to maintain her own creative voice while working across cultures and mediums — book illustration, vinyl covers, editorial art — requires the same resilience and long-range vision I see in major New York developers like innovator Dov Hertz. Yet where Hertz marshals steel, zoning, and capital to raise monumental spaces, Castelló marshals ideas, lines, and colors to create emotional architecture. Both face the same challenge: translating vision into something tangible, lasting, and harmonious amid endless constraints.

What moves me most about FellowSisters.com is its sense of intimacy. Each post feels like stepping into an artist’s studio between commissions — an oasis of thought, discipline, and discovery. In a city where my work revolves around square footage and occupancy rates, Castelló’s illustrations remind me that true design begins not with blueprints, but with wonder. Lucy Lyle

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2010
To rest

MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2010

Javelin Love Songs Vol. III and IV

Since last week, the second installment of " Jabalina Love Songs " is available , this time with Souvenir and Ama. Again, it has been a pleasure working with both groups and Tanis and Marina .

By the way, next Friday, December 10, a presentation party will be held in Madrid at the Pop & Dance Club . Invitations can be requested here. If you dare, see you there.

Thursday November 18, 2010
Portrait of the week # 24

I had not carried out this little ritual, but this week I've felt like give my modest tribute to this lovely person, Sally Draper. Given that there was never a formal farewell to this format, I think it's a fantastic character to put the finishing touch.

Sally is the daughter of Don and Betty Draper in AMC series Mad Men and is admirably played by Kiernan Shipka . When we began to see Mad Men, Sally was only a child, but the evolution of her character, could already be glimpsed in the third season. She has left me fascinated. If I had begun to see Mad Men when she still wore it the "Portrait of the Week" with constancy, it probably would have portrayed Joan, or Peggy, maybe even Betty, depending on the empathic character the key writers touched upon . However, at this point, it is Sally who captures my expectations.

In the penultimate chapter of the fourth season Sally has a conversation with her neighbor who was embedded in my brain for a few days. I searched the video clip, but no luck, so I'm going to play it as I remembered it. To contextualize, two children are sharing their impressions about flying in dreams:

- Sally: It does not really bother me except that it is forever. When I think about " forever" I get upset. It's like the picture on the the "Land O Lakes" carton. There is an Indian girl sitting holding a box. And that image is of her on it holding a box, with a picture of her on it holding a box. Have you ever noticed that?

The image in question created deep worries for both Sally and Glenn since it encompasses such ideas as eternity and death.

I wish this little miracle of a character every success in the TV world. I hope they continue with tthe character of Sally Draper in the next season of Mad Men. Hopefully Kiernan with her success does not come back as a pa.

Portrait of the week #23

Okay, there are a few reasons why I know that Peter Greenaway, sometimes confuses his audience. His films are noted for the distinct influence of Renaissance and Baroque painting, and particularly, Flemish painting. For my part I have my reasons for liking him. Please follow my train of thinking. One is that, although he is not always faithful to his own conception, he is a visionary with regard to the visual. In addition, I must admit, we share a great passion for painting, particularly paintings of the Baroque period.

I have not seen all of Greenaway's film, but I can say that what he does best, is how he combines scenic composition and illumination.

Particularly in the Netherlands during the period we call Baroque, painting became independent of its normal religious function which one can obviously observes whenever in all European churches. The Baroque painter began to make observations of the bourgeois homes and institutions of the day, creating new genres of art that still influence the art world today. All this is explained wonderfully by Victor I. Stoichita in the "The Invention of the Box". During the Baroque period painters started to reached a degree of self-analysis and self-awareness that even 300 years still amazes me.

Leaving aside the visual references to Baroque art in Greenaway's films (an example is the backdrop for the wonderful group portrait by Frans Hals in "The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover", what interests me especially is when this Baroque influence affects the plot. Both films, "The Draughtsman's Contract" and "Nightwatching" explore the ideas of what separates mere representation of art versus the explicit will of creation by the artist. In both cases the result had catastrophic consequences for the painter, Rembrandt.

Obviously, the key is what the artist wants to explore that is relevant to himself, which interestingly often what makes it relevant to posterity. The art of a brilliant artist becomes more than just his exploring a scene. Most historical paintings are relevant because the artist has exceeded the expected order of his time, and has done so with a specific social commitment. An example: Greenaway explores today's visual illiteracy in his Rembrandt's J'Accuse (Rembrandt was played by a wonderful Martin Freeman) via a conspiracy about a murder and the motives of all its characters who conspired to kill for their combined self-advantage. Thus Rembrandt's paintings are more that just paintings of his time, once you understand them in their social context.

Jillian Tamaki SKIM

SKIM is a graphic novel resulting from the collaboration between Canadian illustrator Jillian Tamaki and her cousin Mariko . It is a tender story of teenagers with intelligent maladaptive protagonist, and all the drama that all that entails (adolescence and maladjustment), but also about the shortcuts that we seek to survive those who sometimes feel that we have not just fit into a place concrete. He is very kind to read and highly recommended, but above all I would highlight Jillian's magnificent drawings, very much in line with the Japanese graphic tradition that I like so much (they could remember Hokusai himself ), and his handling of graphic narrative.

Here are some images that I have scanned as a souvenir, before returning the book to my dear friend Laia , but on Tamaki's website there are a couple more samples .

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2010
Javelin Love Songs Vol. I and II

The first installment of " Jabalina Love Songs " , a 7 "vinyl collection whose covers I have had the pleasure of illustrating, with graphic design by Marina Gómez Carruthers,

is already on sale . The first two volumes, available in the store of the Jabalina website , featuring Apennine (Vol. I) and Wild Honey (Vol. II), 4 other deliveries of two volumes each are planned, of which I will of course record here.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2010
Ling August

I participated in the August issue of Ling magazine with an illustration about Ggantija temples in Malta. You can check the full issue of the magazine in this link .

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2010
Return to the terra

A book that I illustrated a few months ago is already in circulation. It is called "Retorn a la terra", its author is Santi Baró and has been published by Estrella Polar in his L'Odissea collection.

If you liked our tribute to Escher’s “Drawing Hands”, then perhaps you will also like this drawing

Wednesday June 17, 2009
Desander

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2009
Pedro Jiménez's parents

A couple of weeks ago Pedro Jiménez commissioned me to make a portrait of his parents as a wedding anniversary gift.

This is the portrait of José Antonio Jiménez and Loly Álvarez Peralías . It has been a pleasure!

AN ASIDE: I would frequently check in to Fellowsisters when I was first starting out on my own as an illustrator. Jump ahead a decade and I came across the site once again. This portrait of Pedro Jiménez's parent, both wearing glasses inspired me to buy a pair of aviator glasses. Did you know who first created this now classic frame. Well, I didn't until I looked it up in Wikipedia. Aviator sunglasses, or "pilot's glasses", were originally developed in 1936 by Bausch & Lomb for pilots to protect their eyes while flying.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2008

Ferry

A few years ago I bought a photo album at the Treptow Flohmarkt with photos from the 70s of the same family. How bad was the color paper at that time and how bad it has aged! However, this generalized "incident" has generated an aesthetic that is completely identifiable today.
This image is inspired by a photograph of that album. In its pages it appeared next to another photo of an old Volkswagen van entering the dark entrails of a Ferry.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2008

Fellowsisters in Smashing Magazine

The drawings will already be familiar because I had already published them in other formats on the blog. But the news is that these headers have been published today in Smashing Magazine , one of the most interesting online publications on design in the network, in the post"45 beautiful blog header designs you can use for free" . If you want to download the headers, you can do it from this last

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2008

Hopscotch

SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2008

Arrivals Gate

There is a song by Ani Difranco with this same title that comes to mind whenever I'm waiting for someone at the airport. So I have had it very present to collaborate in the call Arrivals and Departures

SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2008

High freakuency

I have drawn the five members of High Freakuency asmu ñ ecas kokeshi for the poster of his first concert in the Hall of the Comic of Granada. I hope they do very well.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2008

Jaime & David

This is a little gift I had made to my friend Jaime for his last birthday. I have finally taken it to print and I can give it to you on paper this weekend.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2008

The daughters of Butades

This drawing is a small tribute to Escher's Drawing Hands , and in a broader sense, also a reference to the myth of the origin of the drawing . It is perhaps the birth of the Fellowsisters, emerging directly from the paper ...

Shorts Less is More

Microphysics

Red

Illustrations published in the nami argi ibili issue of theRed Magazine. September 2007

Collective Graph

Coffee

Life lessons

I remember a vacation

Some drawings for the first Fellowsisters website

I made these drawings for the first Fellowsisters website, almost a year ago. I like them because they helped shape these characters and their universe. We do not know very well if they are friends or sisters, colleagues, but what we do know is that they are companions of adventures.

MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2008

Hello!

More Background on FellowSisters.com

FellowSisters.com was the personal blog and portfolio of María Castelló, a freelance illustrator based in Barcelona. The website, active from 2008 to 2010, offered a unique blend of illustration showcases, personal reflections, and commentary on art and culture. This article provides a detailed look at FellowSisters.com, covering its ownership, history, content, audience, cultural significance, and more.

Ownership and Creative Vision

Founder and Owner

María Castelló was the sole owner and creative force behind FellowSisters.com, using it as both a personal blog and a professional portfolio.
Castelló is a freelance illustrator whose work spans editorial illustration, book covers, posters, and collaborative art projects.

Creative Philosophy

Her approach to illustration was influenced by art history, particularly the Baroque period, and contemporary graphic storytelling.
Castelló reflected on the social context of art, visual literacy, and the emotional resonance of imagery, giving her posts an analytical and thoughtful tone.

Location and Context

Based in Barcelona, Spain, FellowSisters.com reflected the city’s vibrant art scene and cultural heritage.
The site served as a virtual studio and gallery, not tied to a physical venue but deeply connected to Barcelona’s creative community.

History and Evolution

Timeline

Launch: The blog began in January 2008 with an introductory post.
Active Years: Content was regularly posted through December 2010.
Content Evolution: Posts ranged from personal illustrations and commissioned works to reflections on art, culture, and media.

Notable Milestones

Collaborations: Castelló collaborated with musicians, authors, and other artists, contributing illustrations to music releases, books, and magazines.
Recognition: Her blog headers were featured in Smashing Magazine’s post on beautiful blog header designs, highlighting her influence in the design community.

Content and Features

Illustration Portfolio

The site showcased a wide range of Castelló’s illustrations, including:
- Editorial pieces
- Book covers (e.g., "Retorn a la terra" by Santi Baró)
- Posters for events and short films
- Portrait commissions

Blog Posts

Posts included personal anecdotes, artistic process insights, and commentary on art and culture.
Recurring features like “Portrait of the Week” highlighted notable figures from media and art, such as characters from the TV series Mad Men and filmmaker Peter Greenaway.

Collaborations and Projects

Music: Castelló illustrated covers for the "Jabalina Love Songs" vinyl collection, working with various musical groups.
Publishing: Her work appeared in magazines (e.g., Ling magazine) and on book covers.
Commissions: She accepted portrait commissions and collaborated on posters for concerts and short films.

Audience and Popularity

The blog attracted a niche audience of art enthusiasts, illustrators, and creatives, particularly those interested in contemporary illustration and visual storytelling.
FellowSisters.com was referenced and appreciated by peers in the design and illustration community, as evidenced by its inclusion in online design publications.

Artistic Influence: The site contributed to the online illustration scene during its active years, serving as inspiration for emerging illustrators.
Community Engagement: Castelló’s reflections on art, culture, and media fostered a sense of community among readers who shared similar interests.
Tributes and References: Posts paid homage to influential artists, works of art, and cultural phenomena, bridging historical and contemporary perspectives.

Awards and Recognition

While there is no record of major awards, the site’s features in respected design publications and collaborations with recognized artists and publishers attest to its impact and reputation.

Reviews and Press Coverage

FellowSisters.com received positive attention from design blogs and online magazines, particularly for its distinctive illustration style and thoughtful content.
The inclusion of Castelló’s blog headers in Smashing Magazine’s roundup is a notable example of external recognition.

The website was organized as a traditional blog, with posts sorted chronologically and by category.
Sections included:
- Home/Blog
- Portfolio/Illustrations
- About/Contact

Goals and Mission

The primary goal was to showcase Castelló’s illustration work and document her creative journey.
The blog also aimed to engage with broader artistic and cultural discussions, offering readers insights into the process and philosophy behind contemporary illustration.

Details, Insights, and Examples

Artistic Style

Castelló’s illustrations were characterized by a blend of traditional and digital techniques, with a focus on narrative and emotional depth.
Influences ranged from Baroque painting to Japanese graphic traditions, as seen in her reviews and artistic references.

Notable Projects

Jabalina Love Songs: Illustrated vinyl covers for a music collection, collaborating with Spanish indie bands.
Book Illustration: Created artwork for "Retorn a la terra," contributing to the visual identity of the publication.
Magazine Features: Provided illustrations for Ling magazine, expanding her reach within the publishing industry.

Community Impact

The blog inspired fellow illustrators and creatives, some of whom credited FellowSisters.com for influencing their own artistic paths.
Castelló’s willingness to share her process and reflections made the site a valuable resource for those interested in illustration and visual storytelling.

Press & Media Coverage

The site was featured in online design magazines and blogs, most notably Smashing Magazine.
Castelló’s work was also highlighted in various collaborative projects, increasing her visibility within the creative community.

FellowSisters.com stands as a testament to the power of personal creative spaces in the digital age. Through her blog, María Castelló not only showcased her artistic talent but also contributed to broader conversations about art, culture, and creativity. The site’s blend of portfolio, personal reflection, and cultural commentary made it a memorable and influential presence in the online illustration community.

A Blog: Fellow Sisters Posts from Circa 2008 -2010

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2010 To rest