Astrid Mueller

What themes run throughout your work? That depends on the client assignment. So far, I’ve done a lot of work for the target group modern cosmopolitan women, but I’m not limited to that.

How do you hope your work will affect its audience? My goal is mostly to create “pretty” illustrations that please the eye, and appeal to women. That also depends on the client’s project though. It could be that an illustration has to animate to read an article, invite to buy a product which the image is printed on, or to get the target group to read an advertisement and become customers of my client.

What makes you decide to create your work? If it’s a commercial project, I usually receive a pretty detailed briefing of what the customers needs, what they like, and what they have in mind. I have a quite big variety of different techniques and looks for my illustrations, and I think the customers often appreciate being able to choose. On the other hand, I’m currently trying to expand into different markets like children’s book illustration, illustration for products and more. Here, initially, I’ll decide to create the work – as long as it’s only for my portfolio. Later again, it mostly will be the clients deciding, and approaching me when they need something.

Where do your talents lie? Cute, fashion inspired illustrations with smart, pretty characters. Many different looks from vector artwork to real paint look or fashion sketch. The optimal solution for the customer is always my goal.

What successes have you had so far? I only opened my business in April 2006, yet already work for various international customers. The magazines Woman’s Day, New York, Marie Claire, Turkey, and Swarovski are among my biggest clients. Several books with my artworks in them are scheduled for publishing in 2007. Sign up for my newsletter to keep informed.

What was the first creative thing that you ever did? Spilling baby powder on the living room floor to make a work of art. Unfortunately, the award is still pending ;-)

Has anyone taught you how to use your talent better? John Hollander (Hollander.ch) was my teacher at the SAE institute Zurich, and has been my mentor, work colleague and friend since. Kurt Hugelshofer, Switzerland, was a great coach in a class on how to open your own business. He showed me that it’s possible, and gave me the courage to “just do it”! I took a lot of different classes in design, and many teachers gave me knowledge that led me to where I am today. I’m constantly searching to stay up to date and learn more by studying the market, talking to colleagues, reading market magazines and books, experimenting with new styles, and simply by working for clients.

What makes you creative? Seeing a low level on my bank account ;-) Plus a whole lot of other things.

How did you get started? After my study year in the U.S.A., I was looking for a job in Switzerland. While doing so, I attended a class that taught the basics on how to open your own business. We analyzed my situation: I had savings for a start, a portfolio, the entire digital software for my work as well as the computer equipment… I was ready to go! First thing that I did after my business plan was to call clients and make appointments. Soon I had my first illustrations published in magazines…

What inspires you? Cute products and designs on the market, children’s books, fashion magazines, other illustrators. Websites like www.drawn.ca and www.illustrationfriday.com.

Who inspires you? Great artists like tokidoki.it, rianhughes.com, jaimezollars.com, illustrationgroup.com, susan-mitchell.com, linziehunter.com, majeakann.com, claudinehellmuth.com, taramcpherson.com, lisahenderling.com, lisaplaskett.com, neryl.com, and more

What are you trying to achieve? My dream is to have people all over the world walk into a store, see products with my illustrations on them, love them, and take them home. One day I’d also love to publish children’s books, maybe create my own fashion line like the great illustrator Jordi Labanda, and ultimately have a wonderful house by the sea. Hey, dreaming is allowed, right?

Do you collaborate? If the project asks for it, with pleasure.

Ignoring money and all of life’s woes, what would you want to be? It would be nice to have so much money that I don’t have to think about it. A cozy home by the sea, choosing the projects I’d like to work on, having time to take a fine coffee break on the back porch, looking out on the ocean. Having enough money and time to visit my friends and family whenever I feel like it, and spare money to do some good for the rest of the world with it ;-)

Accepting the need for money and all of life’s woes, what do you want to be? I’ll be aiming at the answer of the last question and will see how far I get =)

What’s the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen / heard / experienced? Gandhi. Mother Theresa. How some old cultures and tribes used to live in harmony with each other and Mother Nature.

What do you consider to be the most important thing in life? Be nice to your mother. Just kidding! Although I should try that ;-)

Who/what is your nemesis and why? I haven’t found it yet, and I hope I never will.

Artist Statement: If you read that far, all I can say wow! Thank you for your interest, and hope to see you soon on my website or blog!
                                                                         

Name://
Astrid Mueller

Age://
37

Profession://
illustrator & designer

Email Address://
info@potatomammadesign.com

Web Link://
www.PotatoMammaDesign.com

Favourite Website://
www.potatomammadesign.blogspot.com/

Type of work displayed on Magnus://
illustrations

Work://

- Zoe
- Untitled Fashion Illustration
- Scorpio Horoscope Ilustration
- Powderroom
- Healthy Shopping