We talk to her about life in the small town of Poznan, and where she finds inspiration for her character-fuelled illustration.

When did you first get into illustration as a profession?

I’ve been interested in illustration ever since I can remember. It came very naturally to me as a child, however I began taking it more seriously when I started working in a graphic design studio. It took me some time to find my own way and to be honest I think its still very much evolving.

You currently live and work out of Poznan in Poland. For those who have never heard of it, can you describe it for us?

Poznan is quite small; you can ride a bike to most of its important places, which is great! My favourite spots are in the older districts, which are surrounded by old architecture. I find these districts and their people a real source of inspiration.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? Where and how do you find inspiration?

I like try to find time for my friends, but I also like spending time on my own, in places of quiet, with no internet or mobile phone. Sometimes though it can be quite the opposite. Sometimes I need people, the smell of the city and crowded streets. I guess for me inspiration is everywhere, I can find it in a stone on the floor, or in the design of someones bizarre outfit…even in someones behaviour!

Where do you work?

My studio is in the very heart of the city. It’s close to everything, but at the same time is very quiet and peaceful. It’s full of light and from the window I sometimes watch a friend of mine who is currently working on his motorcycle in his garage, or renovating some old furniture. We go for a coffee every morning; its something of a ritual. My studio is usually in a mess because I like to use a variety of different techniques. One day I might paint, and another day I might work with clay or paper mache.

I have few special objects on my desk; a vinyl toy that I brought in Japan called Mr Wall, a small figurine of Tytus – a polish cartoon character  – and a book called “Fresh Fruits” about cosplay and street fashion of Japan.

Can you give our readers some insight into what life is like for a creative freelancer living and working in Poland?

Being a freelancer in Poland is not easy, especially when you are trying to be true to your own style. However, I’ve always believed that to succeed you need to not only be talented, but be really hard working, and have a bit of luck on the way.

Do you have any specific tools that you frequently work with?

I’m a fan of all creative tools and processes. I use and collect all kinds of markers, crayons, pencils, brushes, ink, paint, papers, textiles etc. They’re all very important to me and my creative process as I like to experiment and play, especially using different hand-made techniques.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any projects at the moment that you can share with us?

I have a skateboard deck to design next, but my biggest challenge ahead is a comic book. This will be a new challenge for me; to create a story and incorporate my illustrations. I’m also thinking about working up some of my illustrations into sculptures which is really exciting.

What are you aspirations for the rest of 2017?

I always have a huge list of thinks to do. One big goal for 2017 is to change up my skills a little, and learn various sculpting techniques, find the right one for me and see how this might influence my work.

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