Illustration from "Was bleibt, ist Licht. Ein Trostbuch" by Melanie Garanin, published in 2021, Ars Edition
What brought you to illustration?
I think because I like to draw and am good at thinking in pictures.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
I think best during my morning shower while brushing my teeth (yes yes, three minutes are enough!). If I have to do that a lot, I mean thinking about work, I might make a note of my ideas right away so I don’t forget. Because then I have to take care if everything else: let the dogs out, feed them, make coffee and breakfast, tidy up, laundry and so on, take care of the ponies, take the dogs out for a proper walk and then eat something myself. And if a child needs something, now is also the time for that. But then! I go to the office, either by bike or car and work until evening. I might also — especially in the summer — go to the office early, take the dogs with me, and push all the rest (except for breakfast) to later in the day. I change my routine often, which is the great thing about being self-employed.
Illustration from "Was bleibt, ist Licht. Ein Trostbuch" by Melanie Garanin, published in 2021, Ars Edition
Are there any illustrators who influenced/influence you?
I’m easily influenced and intimidated by the abilities of other illustrators, so I try not to let that influence me too much. But I have learned a lot from Rolf Fänger, an illustrator from Wuppertal, Germany. I did an internship with him while I was at school and worked for him after that. It’s true: he did influence me. By always encouraging me to ‘just try it’.
What was your very first illustration?
The earliest drawing I could find is of my family. Mom, Dad, my older brother (on paper of course much smaller than myself) and the head of Raya, our dog back then. I think my first illustration job was for a magazine about education.
"Kanadische Wildgänse"
What inspires you? Where do you get your ideas from?
Animals inspire me most! And people. I like to watch, and listen in on conversations. (I have to admit that when I’m at a restaurant, my thoughts are often at the next table if there is an interesting conversation going on. Or I listen to people talking on the train!) And there seems to be a place in my head where those conversations are stored and then eventually come out as ideas. Often in very surprising ways.
Do you have a favourite illustrator/artist/author?
"Ententanz"
Do you like listening to music or audio books while working or do you prefer silence?
When I have to think while I draw, so when I’m sketching and making notes, then I listen to music. But no songs that make me want to sing along, classical music, ideally something motivating. When I’m finalizing an illustration or coloring it, I love a long audiobook.
Illustration from "Was bleibt, ist Licht. Ein Trostbuch" by Melanie Garanin, published in 2021, Ars Edition
Do you have a favourite place to work?
Yes, my office. It’s a small, simple room in a building right in the center of a commercial complex in the neighboring village. It’s bright, quiet, and there is nothing there other than my work materials.
Is there a particular story you would love to illustrate?
Not really.
Illustration from "NILS - Eine Graphic Novel über Tod und Wut. Und von Mut.", published 2020 by Carlsen
What was your favourite illustration you have made so far?
Everything in my book "NILS"
What can you be found doing when your are not illustrating?
I like to be outside. In the forest with the dogs, in the field with the ponies. And I like to travel.
Illustration from "NILS - Eine Graphic Novel über Tod und Wut. Und von Mut.", published 2020 by Carlsen
What makes the art of illustrating special to you?
When letters are too complicated sometimes you can translate them into a picture.
What makes a good illustrator?
When the illustration resonates with the text or story. Sometimes it should be in the background to give the sentences enough space, but sometimes it should be pushed to the forefront when it can express more than words. A good illustration is like a dance between word and picture.
Illustration aus "Mein Freund Rilke"
Do you struggle sometimes? Do you have to motivate yourself, and if so, what helps? Is there a kind of "illustrator’s block?"
Oh dear. Yes! I’m often not in the mood to draw. And I know the deepest lows of illustrator’s block. Or creative block. That’s definitely a thing for me! How I motivate myself ... just doing it. (Ha, my influencer!) Maybe something different first. Turn everything off, leave my phone in a different room (or around the corner), unplug my computer, doodle around, just draw something. Knowing that it’ll pass eventually helps me in those moments (what am I even saying: days ... weeks!). I remember my last block all too well. When there is no time pressure I usually try to take a few days off. Until there is enough time pressure and that’ll motivate me when push comes to shove, haha.