Jen is a illustrator based in London. Having previously worked as an artist agent for 3 years, last year Jen took the leap into freelance to spend her days illustrating. With a background in traditional printmaking, Jen’s print-influenced pieces and charming textured approach combine the use of analogue and digital techniques to create eye catching imagery.
Whilst on work experience at a pet shop, Sir David Attenborough came in and wanted to buy some exotic birds, yet at the time I had no clue who he was! Definitely a missed opportunity!
Since I was a child I’ve always been drawing and making things. Then at university I started off doing a graphic design degree but two weeks in realised I had made a big mistake so asked if I could be transferred to the Illustration course. From there I have not looked back.
A lot of things inspire me, I love nature, animals, interiors and anything that has a vintage or mid-century past.
I work from my home studio so my morning routine is very basic. I usually start work around 9:30 by replying to emails and sorting out what projects need to get done. Then I focus on the artwork either that be working on something digitally or sketching some ideas. I try to finish work at a normal time around 6ish, yet being freelance this can sometimes run away with itself and I end up finishing at 11pm. But I am getting better at time management!
Go for a walk. When I am stuck in a real creative rut going to an exhibition or meeting up with friends usually helps clear my mind.
Apple, where I was asked to take a live art session at their store on Regents Street, Breathe Magazine and Electric Cinema.
All the textures in my work are created by hand using materials such as spray paints, pencils and crayons. I scan these in and use them to build up the artwork. But I render the final artwork digitally on photoshop using an iPad and Apple Pencil.
I love pinterest. I also hoard a lot of books and magazines so these are great resources of inspiration.
Work really hard, be patient and good things will come!
My dream project would be anything that involves me being able to draw travel imagery or landscapes.
Danii Pollehn is a print designer and illustrator living in Hamburg, Germany. After graduating with an honors in Fashion Design from the Academy of Fashion & Design in Berlin and Hamburg, Danii has worked as a freelance stylist for magazines and print-commercials for several years. With a special interest in nature, traveling and paying attention to the details in everyday surroundings Danii finds an endless source of inspiration to create unique and innovative artwork and designs.
I´m addicted to asian food, chocolate, trench-coats, Frank Ccean, Sampha and James Blake, my sneakers, books, art, breakfast, grocery shopping and I‘m leaving a crumb trail!
I was always painting and drawing so it seemed like a logic career path to me.
Plants and flowers of course but traveling and my every day surroundings are always a great way to get inspired!
Starting with a great breakfast afterwards checking and answering emails, and working and preparing orders. Painting in the afternoon and working on Instagram in the evening.
Just stop forcing it and try to use the time to meet friends and have long walks!
Recently I did flowers for a big company which I really enjoyed creating. Winning a design contest to have a textile design with Urban Outfitters was amazing when I started out, or I also enjoyed creating an entire print collection for a local surfwear company!
Procreate and Photoshop.
Pinterest or I also love to check out old books on fleamarkets!
Get yourself out there and start networking!
Designing for big fashion houses like Gucci or Chloe or just have my stuff on big billboards in NYC would be awesome! Having my own home decor collection with ikea would also be perfect!
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