Annie is a versatile creator whose passion for art and creation has been present since childhood. With an indefatigable curiosity and a love of experimentation, she has developed a distinctive style that encompasses illustration, painting, pattern making and animation.
With a Master's degree in Children's Culture Design as a foundation, Annie is inspired by children's culture and often incorporates humor and distinct characters into her work. Currently employed as a graphic designer and illustrator at a publishing house, she navigates through a variety of tasks, from creating patterns to attending product development meetings and identifying trends.
Intervju med Annie Hjälmefjord
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background as a creator?
As a child I drew all the time, but I guess all children do. The difference is that I never stopped. I have always loved to create and test new ways of expressing myself through illustration but mostly through painting, pattern making and animation.
I have a master's in children's cultural design and that is also where I find a lot of inspiration. My work is characterized by a lot of humor and clear characters, which there is also a lot of in children's culture. Today I live with my family in Småland, in the countryside, where I have my own studio and dream of starting my own ceramics studio.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
I am employed as a graphic designer and illustrator at a publishing house where every day is different. One day I can spend all day creating patterns, the next I'm sitting in a product development meeting talking about upcoming trends. After the working day, and when my child has fallen asleep, the working day for my own creation begins. Then the iPad, pen or knitting moves forward.
Are there any particular techniques or tools you prefer when creating?
I love trying different techniques, but what I always fall back on is gouache, polychromos colored pencils and creating on the ipad. Since I work a lot digitally in my work, it's usually nice to pick up paper and pencil all the rest of the time.
Where do you find your inspiration?
In traditional animation, and children's books! For example, I love Eyvind Earle's paintings in classic Disney movies (Sleeping Beauty). His way of working with textures and contrasts is fantastic.
If I have an idea when I'm sitting at my desk, I usually find a lot of inspiration in vlogs by other creators. What do you listen to when you create? True crime, indie pop, Spanarna i P1 or vlogs when. A tip if you work digitally is to watch live broadcasts at Adobe where they let creators in all different fields show how exactly they work with the Adobe suite. It has taught me so much!
Who is your favorite illustrator?
Hard to choose one. Eyvind Earle, Maïte Franchi, Mr Bingo, Tove Jansson, Clara Dackenberg, etc.
How would you describe your own artistic style?
My illustrations and designs often consist of playful characters, plants and humor. I use both traditional painting methods such as gouache and ink, but also digital tools. I would probably say that my style is characterized by personality, textures and storytelling.
Are there any particular elements or themes that you always try to include?
I like to make the viewer smile, maybe recognize yourself and make it want to study the details. Most of what I create does not have a strong narrative but floats around among the slightly odd yet familiar. Everyday life, rhymes and the oddities of humanity!
Do you have a favorite among your creations, if so which one and why?
The wine sipper is probably my latest favourite. It has good components - flowers, wine and humor.
What advice would you give to young creators who want to immerse themselves in their creation?
Put in the time and cheer on others in the industry. Try to create for yourself as well, not just for others. And apply for scholarships!
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