House Voices: Taina Marvila
Designer Taina Marvila has been shaping the visual universe of Livraria for over five years. In this edition, she talks to us about her childhood, her inspirations and the most memorable moment she experienced at Livraria—in her socks, alone, with a hot cup of tea, in the silence of the pandemic. A story that sums up our way of being: caring and emotional.
LL: Do you have any memories from your childhood that somehow connect you to what you do today?
NM: My childhood memories are closely linked to the fact that I have two older brothers. As they were always ‘in their own world’, I ended up playing alone a lot—in an imaginary world that I created. And I think that sparked my creativity: trying to create my own company, games, concerts I did on my own, drawings... in short, everything that involved creativity.
LL: How did Livraria Lello become part of your story?
NM: First, I came from Brazil to Portugal. That was six years ago, so I had been here for a year and was getting to know some people. One of them worked at the bookshop and encouraged me to send my CV and apply for the designer position that was opening up. Two other people and I were called in for tests, I was selected, and here I am today.
LL: If you had to choose one memorable moment you experienced at LL, what would it be?
NM: I know what that was. It happened in the middle of the pandemic. As I lived relatively close to Baixa – about a 20- or 30-minute walk – I was asked to go to the bookshop to take some photos of some books to post on social media. I immediately said yes. The streets were completely empty, and when I arrived, only Luísa was there, taking care of logistics. The stairs had just been painted and the paint was still wet, so she said to me, ‘You have to take off your shoes and walk around the bookshop in your socks.’ It was raining outside, and there I was, in my socks, inside the empty bookshop.
Before Luisa left, I commented that all that was missing was a cup of tea. She left... and, before she actually left, she came back and left me a cup of tea. So I had this beautiful moment: alone in the bookshop, in my socks, drinking tea, with the rain falling outside. I think that was perfect and, honestly, not only was it my best moment in the bookshop, it was perhaps one of the best moments of my life.
LL: What is essential for a designer in such a visual and symbolic place?
NM: I think it's essential to have the sensitivity to balance the old and the contemporary and to always be mindful of mixing styles in a coherent way. This place is not just classic, nor is it just modern; it's a fusion of the two. And the challenge, as someone who manages the visual image, lies precisely there, in managing to unite the two languages.
LL: You are now finishing your master's degree in Editorial Design. Is your time at the Bookshop the cause or the consequence of your interest in this area? What added value has it brought you?
NM: It's the consequence. I wasn't exactly involved in the world of books, and here at the Bookshop, challenges in this area began to arise and I ended up really falling in love with editorial design. It was through practice that my interest intensified and, from then on, it made sense for me to pursue this path academically as well. The master's degree was a complement, which I think is important to have.
LL: Where do you find inspiration when your eyes get tired?
NM: I think, of course, it's the classic answer of going on a trip, but not just in the sense of buying a ticket. It's about getting out of your routine: going to a small town, being surrounded by nature, watching people live their lives. And in those little moments, making connections. I think creativity is about making connections. It's about taking two things that exist and thinking, ‘They go together. They make a good idea together.’ It's that traveller's eye, even if you don't go to another country.
LL: If you could have dinner with anyone (living or dead), who would it be?
NM: Xuxa! Because she's an icon. And I think that's really funny because I wouldn't choose someone like, I don't know, a philosopher. I'd prefer someone who had an impact on me, like Xuxa, to say to her: ‘You were my inspiration, you accompanied me, you are the queen.’ I think that would be a lot of fun.
LL: What book had the biggest impact on you?
NM: It was My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante. For several reasons, but mainly because it touched me and because of the reflection at the end. The author, in my opinion, deserves congratulations.
LL: If your life were a book, what would the title be?
NM: It would be Sunday Morning. Because I love that moment - I like the peace, having the whole day ahead of me, being calm. If I had to choose a title for my book, it would always be a good moment. That would be it, "Sunday Morning".