interview with an illustrator
Ella Tjader
the Zurich based
illustrator wishes she
could step back in time
to France in 1770 and
the eccentric court at
Versailles. . . .
u SB What drew you to illustration? Ella: I’ve always drawn and
scribbled on newspaper corners, receipts or napkins. u SB Do you
have any formal design training? Ella: No. I studied economics
and twelve years later I studied graphic design. I fell in love with
Illustrator – after an intial two weeks of hating it, before I figured
how the pen tool works – and illustration seemed like a natural
way to go next. u SB Where are you from? Ella: Born in Vilnius,
Lithuania, I have lived in Stockholm, London and Glasgow. u SB
Where do you live now? Ella: Zurich. My husband’s new job took
us here. u SB What is your biggest inspiration? Ella: I am inspired
by nature, art, fashion and beautiful people. u SB How do you get
your ideas? Ella: A brief is good start. Sometimes I leaf through
fashion magazines or various source books; they could be art or
photography, sometimes even children’s books. u SB Do you keep
a scrapbook? Ella: I have a small box where I put things I want
to keep. I bookmark blogs/websites I want to come back to. u
SB What are your interests outside of illustration? Ella: Having
fun with my kids. u SB Tell us about a favourite project you’ve
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