Javier Mariscal, born in Valencia, Spain, studied graphic design at the Escuela Elisava in Barcelona. It was at this time that he began to make a name for himself as a cartoonist. His first character was “El Señor del Caballito”, which he created when he was 19 years old. His first furniture designs, exhibited in a little shop in Barcelona, were discovered by chance by Ettore Sottsass, who immediately invited him to design some pieces for the Memphis group. In 1988, the same year that saw his cartoon figure “Cobi” selected as mascot for the Olympic Games in Barcelona, he founded the Estudio Mariscal. Today, the team, which has grown to 20 employees, develops communication campaigns, logos, brochures and films as well as interior designs, furniture designs and events.
Interior design for the IKEA restaurant in Vitoria
References: Absolut Vodka, Alessi, Amigos de calle 54, Desso, Expo 2000 Hannover,Hoteles Silken, Joyco, Moroso, Salon Nautico Barcelona, Salvat, Shizuoka Convention & Art Center, Universitat de València, Zumtobel and others.
Publications: Javier Mariscal: Designing the New Spain (Blueprint Monograph), Emma Dent Coad, 1991.
Awards: Premio Nacional de Diseño 1999; Honorary Royal Designer for Industry, Royal Society of Arts, London 2006.
