People of Ibiza: Virginia Sancho
Ibiza-born art director Virginia Sancho has been profoundly shaped by the island’s natural beauty, golden light, and laid-back lifestyle. She weaves visual narratives that blend creativity with passion and draws endless inspiration from the place she calls home.
With a strong background in fashion, art, and design, Virginia has collaborated on various projects, including notable work alongside her husband, acclaimed fashion photographer Txema Yeste. These collaborations have allowed her to merge her vision with others, producing meaningful creations that capture the essence of Ibiza and beyond.
Now embarking on the transformative journey of motherhood, Virginia is committed to passing on the values of respect, diversity, and a deep love for nature that the island has instilled in her. Her professional journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a profound connection to the creative process, with her Ibicencan roots always at the core of her work. For Virginia, life is about embracing joy, living fully in the present, and continuously drawing inspiration from the unparalleled beauty and culture of the island she calls home.
“I remember my childhood in Ibiza as a time of pure happiness. Growing up in a place like Ibiza allowed me to stay deeply connected to nature and the sea. My early years were filled with outdoor play, walks along the beach, and moments of discovery in natural surroundings. The island has a special energy and, above all, a relaxed and free way of life.”
During my teenage years, I became aware of the contrasts the island holds. On one hand, Ibiza had this serene and picturesque essence, but on the other, it embraced cultural diversity and a vibrant nightlife. Growing up there exposed me to various influences, from electronic music to the local traditions that remain an integral part of daily life.
Those years were filled with exploration, a deep connection to nature and culture, and experiences that left me with a profound love for the island where I was born.
Ibiza has played a fundamental role in my personal and professional development, teaching me to value freedom and diversity. Growing up in a place so full of energy and natural beauty allowed me to develop a unique sensitivity and a relaxed and open attitude toward life. The diversity of people living in Ibiza shaped me into someone who is open-minded, adaptable and has a more global perspective on the world.
Ibiza has also directly impacted my career through the opportunities the island offers. Its unique infrastructure fosters creativity and innovation. It taught me to be more versatile and to see opportunities from different perspectives. Ibiza has nurtured both my creative and professional sides, providing the space and opportunities to grow and continuously learn.
Since my university days in Barcelona and now with my base here, I’ve always tried to stay close to the sea. Whenever I can, I find moments to walk along the beach or simply be near the coast. It’s my way of reconnecting with myself and bringing a little bit of Ibiza’s tranquillity into my urban life. That connection to the Mediterranean helps me stay grounded and clear my mind.
My interest in art direction emerged from a blend of curiosities I’ve always had for music, film, fashion, and especially the scenography surrounding concerts, music videos, fashion shows, and movies. Since I was young, I’ve been drawn to design, colour, shapes, and the way visual elements can communicate without words.
When I began studying design and visual arts disciplines, I discovered how aesthetics impact human perception. I realised that design isn’t just about beauty; it’s about functionality and communication. During this learning process, I found that art direction offered a way to combine my love for creativity with a more strategic role, creating visuals that convey clear messages. It has the power to transform an abstract idea into a tangible experience that resonates with an audience.
Art direction allows me to bring together different forms of expression, such as photography, fashion, and design, to build cohesive visual concepts. I’m passionate about the process of turning ideas into tangible realities and collaborating with diverse professionals to bring projects to life.
My style as an art director is hard to define, as each project comes with its own unique requirements. However, I would describe it as versatile, with a strong focus on detail, balance, and a deep connection to the narrative of each project.
I also consider collaboration and open communication with the creative team to be essential. I believe the best results are achieved when everyone contributes their individual talents toward a shared goal. My aim is always to find the perfect balance between creativity and strategic intention.
Working on fashion projects in Ibiza is one of my favourite experiences because the island has a unique essence that sets it apart from other locations, making each project truly one of a kind. The atmosphere of Ibiza deeply influences the style and visual approach, with its strong connection to nature, the sea, light, and colour inspiring a more relaxed and organic perspective on fashion.
Compared to other cities, where fashion can feel more urban, structured, or even avant-garde, Ibiza offers a sensitivity that’s more tied to freedom and simplicity.
In the luxury sector, every project is a challenge. I’ve had projects that pushed me to be far more resourceful than I ever thought I could be. Each one has been an incredibly enriching and demanding experience. These brands often have exceptionally high standards and meticulous attention to detail, which has taught me the importance of excellence and consistency in every aspect of a project.
I’ve learned to appreciate the narrative behind a brand and how every creative decision, no matter how small, contributes to building a strong and aspirational identity. Additionally, these experiences have shown me the value of collaboration and teamwork, as behind every successful campaign is a group of dedicated professionals working together.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of many projects that have touched my soul, each for different reasons. The creative process of every project brings me new perspectives and tools, along with the opportunity to learn from those I collaborate with and to meet extraordinary people.
One of the most special projects in my career was the first one I worked on with my husband, the great photographer and person Txema Yeste. Together, we collaborated on a campaign for a Spanish fashion brand inspired by the essence of Ibiza, marking the first time we combined our professional visions. Sharing ideas, finding common ground, and watching him photograph was truly wonderful and deeply enriching. It was a deeply significant experience, both personally and professionally, as we successfully combined our visions and created something unique. I fondly remember the projects I’ve shared with you, Alberto. Creating synergies and sharing visions is something I deeply enjoy. Connecting with someone on an aesthetic level naturally leads to a more harmonious and engaging workflow. Ideas flow much faster, and there’s never a shortage of humour, a quality that’s so essential in many moments.
Ibiza has the incredible ability to influence your mood and creative vision. It serves as a constant source of inspiration, feeling like a natural laboratory where we can experiment, observe, and connect with various influences. The island’s light, for instance, holds a unique quality. It can completely transform the perception of a space or an object, adding depth and a sense of magic to everything it touches. I feel this even more lately, perhaps because I’m about to become a mother.
Yes, I know… An exciting challenge is just around the corner, and I’m ready to embrace it wholeheartedly. I envision myself balancing my role as a mother with my career through careful planning, attention to detail, problem-solving, and the invaluable support of my family and professional network.
Work is a fundamental part of my identity; it inspires, fulfils, and energises me. At the same time, I deeply value this new role I’m stepping into. I know there will be challenges, but I’m determined to find a balance that allows me to pursue my projects while caring for my family. My happiness and sense of balance are crucial, as they will positively impact my future babies. Yes, they’re twins! If I’m in harmony, they will be, too, which motivates me to nurture both my emotional well-being and my professional life.
My profession is essential to who I am, and I’m confident I can integrate both roles. Striking a balance between motherhood and my passion for work will be key to creating a loving and stable environment for them. I aim to remain flexible and adapt to the ever-changing demands of both roles without neglecting either. I firmly believe it’s possible to grow professionally while building a family, and I’m ready to take on this beautiful challenge.
I want to pass on to my children the values my parents instilled in me and those that the island embodies: respect for diversity, love for nature, and the importance of caring for our environment. I want them to appreciate the simple things in life.
Thanks to my parents' hard work, I prepared myself academically, travelled, and discovered the world. These fundamental values, effort, generosity, and respect for others, taught me to value perseverance and the importance of fighting for what you want. I hope to instil these same values in my children.
As I begin this new chapter and reflect on how the island has evolved, I see talented younger generations in Ibiza who often ask me about building a creative career. My advice to them is always the same: prepare to work hard, be persistent, and invest as much as possible in their education.
This is a highly competitive field, but with passion and dedication, it is absolutely achievable. I always encourage them to immerse themselves in film, art, fashion, photography, and other disciplines that provide valuable references and resources for shaping and developing future projects.
I see myself in constant evolution. Visualisation is an important part of my process, and I often picture myself strengthening my professional career, exploring projects that challenge me, and continuing to grow both creatively and personally.
If I were to sum up my philosophy of life and work in one phrase, it would be: “Be happy and live in the present!” I aspire to work on projects that reflect my passion for art direction, contributing fresh ideas and collaborating with younger teams. And, of course, I hope to continue working on projects connected to the island. Ibiza, with its unique cultural and natural identity, will always be an endless source of inspiration for me.