CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
HR: Bold, nordic, minimalistic and colorful with a playful feel.
HR: In my work I am always looking for simplicity and clarity.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
HR: My inspiration is daily life with its ups and downs and the big questions that inevitably arise if you only dare to look beyond your own little nose. It is all of these larger and smaller questions that occupy my mind, that I try to work on in my artistic activity and translate into a visual language. To a certain extent they represent my answers and thoughts.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
HR: I often have a picture in my mind and sometimes it won’t be until weeks later that I sit down to capture it. When it comes to implementation, the whole thing usually begins quite intuitively. I think first in colors, usually it starts with the composition of a color palette. The final realization usually takes place digitally with Photoshop and Illustrator.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
HR: The best thing for me is when a ‘good’ feeling has been transported or a problem has been solved. I love to communicate and illuminate through my illustration.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
HR: Most days I start by taking a shower, try to meditate looking after myself physically and emotionally placing my health and well being above all else. I´m more productive when I have a better work life balance. After that Planning is key to me- feeling like I’m in control of my business. Writing down my tasks helps me visualize what needs to be done without overwhelming myself, and breaking up tasks and goals into daily, weekly, and monthly sections. Of course working from home is sometimes unavoidable, but I think leaving the house helps put me in the mindset of getting things done.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
HR: I have tried both for myself and would almost say that both belong together.
HR: As I explained previously, I can’t work without the impulse and my own intuition, but it is just as important to work conceptually.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
HR: Learn to say yes and not be afraid to say no to projects that aren’t the right fit for me; saying no, really saying yes to something else. And the best is feeling aligned to my personal values. Stop overthinking the questions that don’t really matter. I also had to re-define what ‘success’ means to me. And also putting myself out there. And important: Keep your files in order.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
HR: It Is important in any case but not the most important thing for me.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
HR: Confidence in my own work is something I’ve definitely gained. Belittling my work is something I did a lot after graduating from University. Sometimes I get hit with impostor syndrome, or just see so much great work that I start comparing.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
HR: The freedom and the flexibility. A way to communicate without words.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
HR: I admire Matisse, and the work of Mies van der Rohe. I can also get very much excited about the creators and illustrators I’m following on Instagram so many really talented people in so many disciplines.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
HR: Especially in times of digitization and a more complex world of communication, it offers wonderfully different possibilities to get new design jobs on the creative scene and to become more visible by being present on different platforms. The exchange with creative people and interesting people from all areas has become much easier through the networks. I see this as a great added value. But it’s easy to get sucked into never ending scrolling!
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
HR: Absolutely, I have the feeling creative people are mostly very empathetic and more mindful in perceiving the world.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
HR: I love to visit new places and just creating the space for observation and reflection.
HR: At the beginning of the year I was in Portugal, I love the city and it was amazing soaking up all the food and culture. I absolutely understand why the people name it the city of light.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
HR: I’m in the middle of reading Joyful from Ingrid Fetell Lee.
HR: A book that inspires me incredibly right now and accompanies me almost daily is also the Dictionary of Color Combinations. I love spending time in bookstores, where I often get lost in appealing titles and covers.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
HR: It’s all about setting goals. I have a creative bucket list for the next 100 years. I am always open and interested in working with new clients and working with mediums that are new to me.
HR: For me it’s all about new challenges so I would love to see my illustrations on textiles and also get started with Mural drawings, surface design projects, and produce a kids book.
HR: But everything in its own time. Patience is also really important when you start to visualize future goals and plans.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
HR: By designing I have found a way to visualize and sort my thoughts and desires. I would almost say they are thoughts in pictures. I often feel like a kind of interpreter for visual language. This is also the case in projects with clients. The client has an idea that they entrust me with, and I try to translate it into something visible. If I succeed, I am always delighted with the power of images. As the saying goes: A picture speaks a thousand words.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
HR: The last song I listen to was FAVELA- Fierce Lion.
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
HR: Enjoy it.
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