MARJOLEIN CALJOUW
“I’m an artist/illustrator from Utrecht, the Netherlands. I’ve started in 2009. Worked on all kind of projects like, illustrations for Playboy, patterns for Oilily, a wall painting of 180m2 in the flagship store of Esprit.
I’ve learned a lot, but I wanted to develop my own technique. I started making paintings without deadlines or rules. Closer to my heart so to speak. This helped me growing a lot and I’m planning group shows for next year in other countries.”
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR WORK?
“Dreamy, detailed, organic.”
WHAT DOES DESIGN MEAN FOR YOU?
“Something that’s always improving.”
HOW DOES YOUR WORKSPACE LOOK LIKE?
“I just got a new desk. It’s actually a kitchen top from Ikea, really long, because I need a lot of space. It’s great!
I’ve got my Imac, my Cintiq 21 UX next to me and a whiteboard with upcoming projects on sticky notes. I like to see in front of me, what I need to do.
Also something new I’ve bought: a wooden flip out box, where I can put my paint in. My camera (Canon Mark 2) is always somewhere near by, because I use it a lot.”
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU USUALLY LISTEN WHEN YOU WORK?
“I listen to documentaries about subjects I’m working on, my playlist, (hip-hop, soul, funky, drum and bass) or classical music that helps visual creativity.”
WHAT’S THE BEST PERSONAL ADVICE YOU CAN SHARE WITH US IN ORDER TO BE MORE CREATIVE?
“I have a certain process that helps me with concepts and just creativity. It goes like this.
1: Start brainstorming in synonyms.
2: Make thumbnail sketches.
3: Collect reference images of those things.
4: Start drawing them if you don’t have an idea yet. While you are drawing, ideas will slowly come.
5: Write down how the environment should look, what the figure/ subject does, what kind of colors would make it stronger, what composition would make it better.
6: If you still don’t have an idea. Talk with a friend about it. Even if you are explaining your idea, it can help with visualizing your idea.
7: Don’t be afraid to fail. Just try it, if it doesn’t work out the way you want it, you can just move on to the next one. It’s not the end of the world. :)”
www.marjoleincaljouw.nl
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MARJOLEIN CALJOUW
Minimal Mag
Excellent interview Marjolein, inspiring for anyone starting up.
Your drawings / paintings flow like liquid silk, there is a fluidity about it that moves like smoke swirling & coiling in the air. Hard to explain but all I can say is you are awesome, just like your work!
You A Humble Artist. 🙂