What inspired you to pursue a career as an artist and illustrator?
I didn’t have to decide to pursue it; it’s something that’s always been a part of me. I have this constant urge to create and imagine visual things. My brain continuously generates shapes and colours, often in combination with characters. I don’t have to do much; it just flows naturally.
Unfortunately, I was never accepted into an art or design university, despite trying at various places over three years. Plan B led me to a career in digital product design and advertising through training in media design and a degree in media informatics. That’s where I began my business design journey (from Junior to Creative Director).
How do you balance your professional career with motherhood?
Organisationally: When I became pregnant, I was employed full-time at a design agency. Fortunately, according to German laws, one is very well protected in such situations, and here in Germany, we also have the option to take a whole year off, with considerable financial support, for parental leave. I took full advantage of this. Upon returning to the agency, organising things became a bit more challenging, but I was given the opportunity to work part-time while still taking on a leadership role. Later, I took the leap into self-employment and have since enjoyed the freedoms that come with it, allowing me to create space for myself and my daughter without having to structure our daily routine too rigidly.
Emotionally: As my daughter grew older, she naturally became a huge driver of my creativity and a daily inspiration. I set up a large, low (fitting her size) creative table for her very early on, with big sheets of paper and a variety of art and craft materials. We sat there together every day. Watching her open mind at work was and is still incredible. Their brains are so fresh.
I would like to highlight your kid’s book Soo Many Feelings. Please, tell us a bit about this project.
There isn’t much to tell. The beauty of books for toddlers is that they contain such simple concepts, so you don’t have to delve into overly complex projects. I really enjoy that. It always feels very light and doable. The idea to tackle emotions in my rather abstract style came up quickly and Familius (the Publisher) was also a fan. It’s certainly not scientifically accurate, and some things are more about sensory experiences. But I let it flow and had fun with the visuals.
What are some unique challenges and rewards of being a multi-disciplinary artist?
Due to my lack of a formal design degree, I spent a very long time attending numerous workshops to find my materials, style, and purpose. I believe this is how my multimedia style emerged, as I experimented with and combined many different things. The digital aspect naturally came into play through my work in the tech industry. Right now, I feel that I have found my path intensively in 3D and I enjoy the calm that comes with this decision and the many possibilities the medium offers me—no physical limitations and the best possible way to express my thoughts. I will also put clay on hold for a while and only bring it out for a few specific projects.
As a Berlin-based artist, how does the city influence your creative work?
I am not only based here but I also grew up here. Of course, I enjoy galleries, museums, music, and artist connections—everything that a city like this has to offer. But to be honest, it’s the trips to new lands like recently to Lisbon, Barcelona, Salzburg, and Stockholm that bring me the unexpected, the unseen, and new inspirations. Then I always return to my beloved Berlin and let these impulses flow into my work.
At SWARM Mag, we are now focusing on the theme of SUGAR RUSH. Is there a particular candy that helps keep you energised while working?
Hehe, that’s a very crazy question. And I hope I’m not scaring anyone off but I haven’t eaten traditional industrial sweets for almost two years. However, I love enjoying a wonderful dessert at a fine dining restaurant. Due to my changed sense of taste from reducing sugar in my daily life, this is always a special emotional explosion for the taste buds. And, of course, there are other benefits: all other foods taste incredibly intense and bring joy to my palate in everyday life. So my “SUGAR RUSH” are all other foods 😉 But of course, I still love the sight of a beautifully decorated cake.
P. s. But I can’t really avoid sugar in a good Aperol Spritz or Negroni!
