I’m Janna, an illustrator and storyteller from Hamburg, Germany, with a soft spot for character-driven stories.
My favorite subject to illustrate is probably animals because they are an endless source of fun and inspiration. I simply enjoy observing animal behavior with all their little quirks and peculiarities – often not so different from human behavior.
The best part is discovering who they actually are. The more time I spend with a character, the more it seems to reveal about its personality. They’re individuals with their own habits and traits that I get to know bit by bit, just like people – and somewhere along the way I usually grow really fond of them – even if they can be a little trying sometimes.
The stories usually come with the characters. Once I get to know them, I can’t help wondering what they’re up to or what might happen next. Stories have always been at the heart of my work, whether they end up in a picture book or on a greeting card. Some work without words. Others become richer when a few lines complete the picture. I enjoy both.
Q & A
Why are so many of your characters animals?
Because animals are the funnier humans.
What animal do you most relate to?
Basically, I’m a cat who loves dogs.
Do you sometimes miss having colleagues?
Not really. I’m in a working relationship with an intrusive bunny who likes to take initiative.
What is your favorite occasion to illustrate?
Christmas. It’s a magical time of year – and I’m slightly obsessed with reindeer.
When did you start your illustration career?
At about three, with a box of crayons.
Who’s really in charge?
Officially, me.
After graduating as a Graphic Designer, I worked as an Art Director and later as a Creative Director in major German advertising agencies.
Looking back, I think that’s where I learned to think in stories. Images and words never felt like separate disciplines to me. Having worked on both sides of the table, I can’t help seeing every project from the client’s perspective as well. Old habits die hard.
For me, the medium is simply whatever serves the story best. While I work digitally more often these days, my illustrations are still rooted in traditional watercolor and gouache painting. Digital tools give me the freedom to create more elaborate compositions without losing the painterly qualities I love – and to experiment without worrying that one wrong brushstroke might send me back to square one.
CLIENTS:
Designs House Greetings • Studio Oh! • My Minds Eye • Flow Magazine •Legami • Michael Miller Fabrics • American Greetings • Galison • Papyrus • The TJX Companies Inc. • Droemer Knaur • Arena Verlag
