João Ventura’s journey from urban street art to founding The Crab Studio, where creativity, culture, and a passion for creating meaningful connections through visual art and music come to life
– December 12, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio
The driving force behind The Crab Studio, João Ventura’s work is a testament to his belief that branding should go beyond a logo or a catchy tagline.
For him, it’s about creating an identity that resonates with audiences, drawing them back time and again.
His approach is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and artistic journey, evolving from abstract street art to refined urban style, and he customises each project to reflect the distinct personality of the client.
Born in Lagos, João’s affinity for art began at an early age. He started with abstract drawings, a hobby that soon morphed into street painting. Armed with spray cans, he and a group of friends explored the urban canvas of their hometown.
This formative period wasn’t just about creating images; it was about experimenting, pushing boundaries, and finding new ways to express ideas. As he grew up, his approach changed and he experimented with stencil, a printing technique for stamping fabric with paint, which he still uses today.
João’s first public showcase came when he was still a student. Along with two classmates, he organised a stencil exhibition in the centre of Lagos as part of a school project during his final year of high school.
He went on to pursue a degree in Communication Design and Multimedia at ETIC – School of Innovation and Creation Technologies, in Portimão.
Later on, João decided to pursue the topic which had caught his attention the most during his studies, and began his career as an intern in graphic design, working at designer João Rei’s studio in Sagres.
The pair shared a passion for creating concepts and surfing, and here João was able merge his love for design with his affinity for the sea. The internship quickly became a more permanent fixture as he established himself in the studio, creating designs for both national and international clients. This was also where his own projects began to take shape, namely with T-shirt designs, which he would then gift to his friends.
Years later, an opportunity arose to create a shared artistic space in Lagos. Alongside three friends who also worked in multimedia, João co-founded The Crab Studio, a name chosen for its symbolic connection to the sea and the idea of multitasking, much like a crab’s dexterous claws and legs.
However, as their individual paths grew, they eventually branched out, and João retained the name, transforming The Crab Studio into his own design brand.
Today, João merges various design techniques to produce a range of visually captivating concepts. He seamlessly blends computer-aided design, using tools like Illustrator and Photoshop, with more traditional, hands-on methods, depending on the amount of ink used in the print and the pressure applied.
His signature style is simple yet impactful, marked by geometric shapes, a minimalist aesthetic, and a contemporary edge that keeps his work fresh and innovative.
Among João’s most fun and creative projects was a collaboration with his friend, photographer João Cabrita. Two years ago, the pair created a collection of t-shirts printed with silkscreen, transferring black-and-white photos and illustrations, a work that resulted from “a mixture of photo and design”, he highlighted.
The designs were replicated in a limited edition of around a hundred pieces, and it marked the designer’s first experience with printing photos. “It’s a really complicated process, very meticulous,” he recalled.
As a true Algarvian, his inspiration comes from nature, the beach, and the countryside. His designs often reflect the tranquillity of these landscapes, with elements inspired by the natural world subtly woven into his work.
More recently, João embarked on a project titled “Half Dazed,” a collaboration with Good Times Skateshop in Lagos and photographer Jody Rose.
The collection features white T-shirts adorned with a hand-drawn flower design on a black background.
Other items, such as caps or socks, could follow, João revealed, explaining that he is the one who designs all the illustrations and prints, with both his signature and that of the shop, making it “an exclusive product that you can only find at Good Times Skateshop”.
But João’s creativity isn’t confined to visual art.
Music also plays a fundamental role his life. When he’s not designing, he’s spinning records as DJ Ventura, bringing his eclectic mix of Reggae, Hip Hop, House, and Drum and Bass to venues in Lagos such as the Grand Café or at parties like the Duna Beach Sunsets, as well as events across Algarve.
Naturally, branding is a priority for a musical artist, so he designs creative promotional posters and visual elements for every performance.
Both in art and in music, João says that although his personal tastes haven’t changed much, his interests have evolved.
“I’ve moved on from geometric and clean illustrations, to more abstract and elaborate pieces, keeping simple shapes and smooth lines,” he underlined, noting that in music he’s moved from Reggae to Hip Hop.
He also has a growing appreciation for the small details found in urban environments, influenced by his travels to European cities like Berlin and Amsterdam. These experiences have expanded his creative palette, allowing him to blend the rustic charm of rural settings with the dynamic energy of cityscapes.
Over the years, João has built a diverse portfolio across various sectors, from catering and beverages to commercial retail and art spaces. He enjoys taking on new projects, working closely with clients to ensure their vision is realised.
Every project begins with a comprehensive briefing session, during which the designer listens attentively to his clients’ ideas, ensuring a collaborative approach that leads to a polished, final product.
This commitment to harmonious collaboration is reflected in the work itself, where creativity is balanced with a sense of calm and precision. One example of this is the yoga mats he has designed, which embody a serene blend of shapes and texture.
Despite the variety in his portfolio, João has a clear favourite: clothing. Looking ahead, he sees his future in building his own brand, one that expands beyond The Crab Studio’s current client base, which currently ranges from all over the Algarve to Lisbon.
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