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Designer Interviews
I asked professional illustrator Kerstin from Wacker Eins to fill us in on what its like to be an established designer in the industry: (See more of her work on the showcase page)
So tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at Wacker Eins.
I am afraid I look very german: tall, blonde hair, blue eyes. What I like most is travelling, this goes perfectly with being an illustrator. All I need is a notebook, a box of pens and an internet connection and I can work from every place in the world. This is what I am trying to do: last year I spent in istanbul and right now I am thinking of where best to escape from the german winter 
What is your educational background that led you to this job?
I have a degree in fashion design and for several years had my own fashion label. One day I moved to paris and to earn some more money was working in famous department store “printemps” There I had to draw clients in their favorite outfits, this is how it all started. From time to time I feel unhappy not to have studied illustration or art because there are still a lot of things I just don’t know how to do.
How long did it take in the industry before you were dealing with such impressive clients as Marie Claire and Elle magazine?
We were very lucky ! In fact, Marie-Claire U.S. was the second customer we ever had.
What has been the high point in your career, your moment of great pride?
Selling my first illustration almost 4 years ago was my moment of great pride. Still today I am always happy about compliments I get from a client for an illustration I personally like as well. I have a world map where I put small pins in every county I have a client from, every new country I conquer is a moment of pride.
What kind of hurdles have you faced in your career to get to where you are today?
Nothing which really comes to my mind here. you have to learn some things outside illustration of course (rights, some pc-related stuff), but in the end its rather easy.
If you could give any advice to the Fashion Templates readers who are pursuing this career, what would it be?
Don’t have any inhibitions, present your portfolio to any and all potential clients, they don’t stroll around to look for you !
What gives you your inspiration daily?
In the end, everything can be inspiring, just be open-eyed. and there are days without inspiration. Missing inspiration is a professional reason to watch all the latest series on tv !
What influences have there been on your inimitable style of illustration?
No idea. there is a theory that every (fashion) illustrator in the end is drawing him-/herself. well, this might be true for me to some extent too.
What medium do you use for your illustrations? (Markers, watercolours etc- give brand names as well please) Why do you choose these?
I use all kind of pens and pencils, watercolor, markers, whatever, and I am still experimenting.I don’t pay too much attention to brands. I am currently working with adobe photoshop and illustrator.
How did you become so good at your drawing? Practice, or was it just a natural talent?
Well, i don’t belong to those who already at the age of six spent their days drawing and painting (i was the local table tennis champion instead). To be honest, my drawing talent is not that big. So the answer is: practice, practice, practice.
