CLUSTER ILLUSTRATION SHOP

ILLUSTRATION JOURNAL

CLUSTER ILLUSTRATION FAIR

How and why did you become an illustrator?

I can’t really say that it was a choice to become an illustrator, it was something that happened naturally. I was obsessed with drawing as a child, and used to draw everywhere in our home: on furniture, on the walls… A few years ago I moved a carpet and even found my drawings underneath it, on the floorboards! 

In Poland we choose a specialisation after primary school, and there was never any doubt in my mind that I would choose art. I almost had a problem when I missed my bus to the entrance exam, but I was so determined to get there that I hitch-hiked! 

I had an amazing teacher at secondary school, who really pushed us in class, and helped us to find our own way. We would be drawing four hours a day, five days a week, for five years, and I honestly think I was better at drawing then than I am now. After that, I chose to study Drawing Media at Nicolaus Copernicus University, and there my view of art began to change. I met new people, and learned about different fields of art, like performance art, and happenings. It was a new experience for me, which forced me to look inside myself. It wasn’t easy at times, but I learned so much from it, and from other students, too.

What did you do after your studies?

After my MA I began working in a studio as a graphic designer and illustrator, which was also a fantastic experience; I was working with such a wonderful team, who were incredibly supportive.


Why did you choose to move to London?

For love! I met my partner ten years ago, when we were both performing at a techno event in Poland. He lived in the UK, and we spent four years writing to each other before he moved back to Poland to be with me. When he was offered a contract in London four years ago he suggested we both move there; I love travel and adventure, so said yes!


What was your experience of moving to the city like?

It was a challenge at first, as I realised that my English wasn’t as strong as it needed to be, and I took some time to get settled in. I did different jobs for a while, but I was drawing all the time, keeping my passion alive, before I began working as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. Becoming freelance brings its own challenges, but I have loved the freedom that it has given me, and the creative challenge.

What impact did moving to London have on your career?

Even after four years, I feel like I am still finding my feet in the industry here, although I gained a lot of confidence when my work was featured by Behance. Even before the pandemic, as an illustrator I can do my work anywhere, and the majority of my clients are Polish. Alongside my illustration and design work, I have also been working as a private art tutor, and was amazed at the demand for that in London. It’s such a big city, there are so many opportunities here, and people who will need your skills.


How did you find your style as an illustrator?

When I first came to London I developed a style that I call my ‘red line’. It was something that had been inside me for a very long time, and drew inspiration from every year of my life. Stylistically it was very simple, drawn with a red line, but in its subject matter it was more philosophical, engaging with allegory, my own self, and the world around me.

Around a year ago I began to feel that I needed to experiment with new colours and shapes. Sticking to just one style had begun to feel limiting, and it was affecting my creativity. I’m interested in so many different periods of art history, ancient, medieval, and modern - how could I work in just one style for my whole career? My red line series is one part of my life, and my new style is telling other stories.

What advice would you give to artists and illustrators thinking of moving to London?

I’d definitely recommend visiting and spending time here before you make a permanent move, to get a feel for the city, and figure out if it’s for you. It has so many parks and green spaces, but I hadn’t realised how much I would miss nature, living here. Some days I can appreciate its beauty, and amazing galleries, other days I hate the distance between places, and travelling on the tube - London is a thief of time! 

I’d also suggest trying to find a job for a few months, to give you a chance to find your feet. London is a beautiful city, but if you don’t know people here or have plans you can get a little lost. Remember, it’s a new life, with new people, and new plans. I’ve met so many interesting people here, but if you’re alone it can be a shock. When I first participated in Cluster Illustration three years ago I loved meeting other illustrators, and the sense of community it gave me - it felt like being at art school again! It's so important to try to meet like-minded people, and build a network here.