This week’s Creative Crush comes all the way from Austria. We’ve been admiring Carina Lindmeier’s work for a while. Can you blame us? Her playful illustrations serve as the perfect infusion of tender thoughts and creative inspiration. Carina’s style is well-practiced, yet raw and light-hearted.
Carina is no stranger to successful collaborations. Part of her impressive portfolio is a collaboration with Nike, as well as a book cover design. What’s next? A magazine cover. We have no doubts it won’t take long for her to cross this off her wishlist.
Read on to find out her thoughts on the future of design. Hint: it’s something we fully stand behind.
Tell us about your background, what’s something you’d like everyone to know about you?
My name’s Carina and I’m a freelance illustrator based in Linz, Austria. I spend most of my time creating playful and colourful works of art. I like to focus on expressive characters and scenes. I love to use bright colours and shapes to bring my work to life.
I aim to create aesthetically pleasing illustrations which reflect emotions and always stay true to the concept I have in my mind. I am also a passionate networker and love to exchange ideas with others!
Can you describe your creative process? Where do you start? What do you usually have playing or around you?
Usually, I start my process with research. Often, I also work with mood boards or colour palettes. I also love to search for inspiration in my books and magazines. Some other times, I just let my thoughts run free while taking a walk or listening to music.
What do you do to get out of a creative slump?
Honestly, my best advice is to do something completely different. Only when you gain some distance and are no longer stuck in the situation, you will get good ideas and inspiration again. Often it also helps me to go out with my friends and dance it all away.
You have a very unique and defining style. Can you tell us what the process of finding that style and perfecting it has been like for you?
I think finding your artistic voice or style is a constant process. It’s like a journey. The more you do something and the more you dare to try it out, the more confident and self-assured you become in what you do.
I think it is like handwriting. You develop it and it is always unique and instantly recognizable as long as you stay true to yourself and don’t try to copy someone else’s.
Can you tell us a little bit about your favourite project, and why it’s your fave?
One of my favourite projects was a collaboration with Hervis x Nike. Designing shoes and creating illustrations on completely white sneakers was a very exciting challenge!
Recently I was asked to work on a great project that I really enjoyed. I was invited to illustrate the city I live in for a special edition packaging – unfortunately the project hasn’t been published yet and I don’t want to give too much away. But to get to know your city through the eyes of a tourist was a great new experience for me!
Are there any artists, designers, or illustrators that you are loving at the moment?
OMG, there are so many! I love the simple but complex illustrations by Kelly Anna and I have always deeply admired the work of Olaf Hajek.
What does the future of design look like to you? What changes do you foresee in the near future that will affect your work?
In my opinion, the future of design will be much more collaborative. Together we can make things better, more beautiful, and more sustainable for everyone.
Nowadays, everyone has the opportunity to be seen or heard, I think that’s great and it offers many opportunities to develop and grow together. No matter if it is about new technologies, trends, or tasks we will face. My work will probably continue to grow towards animation, or maybe even include AR or VR illustration. That would be awesome!
What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime?
I would like to take a trip around the world at some point in my life. I would love to get to know new cultures and ways of life, discover hidden places, and enjoy a carefree life!
Professionally, my biggest dream would be to illustrate a magazine cover.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice was to always follow my intuition, trust my gut feeling, and take risks! And as long as I am honest with myself, everything is fine, no matter what others say!
And sometimes you simply have to be reminded by others of what you’ve already achieved and that you should be proud of yourself!
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