What led you to choose the pseudonym “Bessa” for your illustration work? Does it hold a special significance?
At the very beginning of my illustration career, when I started publishing my first illustrations, I wasn’t very confident about myself. I decided to create an alter ego, which helped me to build my confidence as an illustrator. I also wanted to create a kind of personal brand, even while I wasn’t a professional illustrator yet. I chose the name Bessa, because it is catchy and perfectly matches the vibe of my work. Besides, Bára or Barbora is a really common name here in the Czech Republic, and I wanted to be different.
Your style is known for its dynamic compositions, humour, and light irony. How did you develop this unique approach to vector illustration, and what inspires the playful elements in your work?
I always Iiked to play with vectors, to explore shapes and lines. I think it was just experimenting and hours of drawing what led to creating my style. I had tried many different styles and approaches, and this one is the way I am able to communicate with the world and express ideas.
How has your background in printmaking and visual communication influenced the way you approach vector illustration?
During my studies at the Academy of Arts Banska Bystrica, in the printmaking department we had figural drawing lessons which I loved. But I was never super skilled in realistic drawing or stylisation, which made me think that I couldn’t do illustration. Later, I started to study graphic design and worked as a graphic designer in an agency, which was a new experience – I keep illustration as a hobby and passion. I think this was a crucial moment for me as an illustrator, because I realise I can draw whatever I want just because I love it. Learning and applying design principles into the illustrations helped me a lot too. When I moved to Prague, I visited the Lustr festival several times, which changed my thinking about illustration as a profession.
Your illustrations often reflect the world around us. Can you describe your process for translating everyday observations into your signature out-of-scale, dynamic visuals?
It’s always about finding the right balance between idea and composition. I apply the rules of animation and cartoon drawing – that you have to exaggerate, exaggerate something… reality is boring.
When working on a new project, what steps do you take to ensure that your humor and irony resonate with the audience?
One can never be sure of that. But, I rely on intuition, and the fact that if I’m passionate about working on an illustration, it will convince the audience as well. Until then, I’ll sketch until I have that moment of enthusiasm and say to myself: yes, this will work.
Being shortlisted for the World Illustration Award 2020 is a significant achievement. How did that recognition impact your career, and what projects did it lead to afterwards?
First of all, it’s great feedback for me when a jury of AOI chooses my work from among many talented and brilliant illustrators. Knowing that the work was worth it and that it is seen by people in the industry is a great motivation for me to keep going.
You’ve exhibited your work multiple times at the Lustr Illustration Festival in Prague. What do you enjoy most about participating in such festivals, and how do they influence your work?
I love the Lustr festival in general, seeing so many different styles and illustrators… I love illustration. But for me, the most valuable part of the festival is meeting other artists, chatting, and exchanging experiences.
As an artist who continuously explores different media and styles, where do you see your work evolving in the next few years? Are there any new mediums or themes you’re excited to explore?
There are so many opportunities. I am currently working on developing my skills in motion design, because I really feel this could be my new field of expression. I also love doing ceramics and bringing my characters to life in 3D. I also want to try 3D printing and create some cool stuff.
Lastly, what is one project or collaboration that you dream of doing in the future, and why?
My dream collaboration is to work on some awesome projects with design studios such as Buck design or Futura, because they create amazing stuff!
