Hello Philip Lindeman!

We are so excited to welcome Philip Lindeman to the Brilliant Artists roster. The Dutch illustrator has a boundless imagination, creating detailed illustrated worlds where all types of mischief take place, with far-out characters in vivid environments. We caught up with Philip to find out a little more about the inspiration behind these incredible works.

1. Do you listen to music while you draw/paint/illustrate? And if so who or what gets the most plays in your studio?

I work in shared studio with two fellow befriended illustrators, so the daily play really depends on who’s in control of the bluetooth at that moment. We listen to many different genres and there’s one for every mood, obviously. When it’s my turn I play either dreamy electronic indy poppy jazzy music to vibe on, old pop and rock music, but mostly a lot of hip-hop. The hip-hop I listen to varies from dutch artists like Opgezwolle, Typhoon, Zo Moeilijk, Kevin and Hef to American artists like Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, MF Doom, 2Pac, Wu-Tang Clan and Masta Ace, to name a few.

You can listen to my playlist called ‘HipHop_DUMP‘ in which I added all my favourite rap songs. I suggest you put it on shuffle and catch some of my favourite bangers! : )

Also I surely recommend my other fav playlist, Drömerig (Dutch for dreamy). Many cute songs to vibe on while working or when you’re a bit hungover.

2. Which other illustrators or artists do you most admire and why?

I’m a big fan of American visual culture and illustrations from the ’60s and ’70s. The look and feel that can be found in the work of legends such as Milton Glaser, Seymour Chwast, Heinz Edelmann or John Alcorn appeal to me enormously. But I also think that European illustrators/(comic) artists such as Serge Hergé, Joost Swarte, Olivier Schrauwen and Henning Wagenbreth have had a major influence on my work.

3. What is the best thing about being an illustrator? And the worst?

The best thing is being asked for what you create and shining your vision on a topic or problem. I love to crack my brain at first in order to solve the puzzle and make the subject my own. It is very satisfying for me to see how the commissioned work always connects to my previous work and contributes to the bigger picture within my visual world. I see my work as chapters within a story/world where there is no end. What worst thing?

4. How do you overcome a creative block?

During my graduation I was a bit anxious for moments where I didn’t know what to draw so I decided to keep working on accessible series so that I always have something to fall back on. an idea for a series is often straightforward to me, such as ‘fictional friends visiting cozy living rooms’. A free ticket to focus on form and to be able to combine endlessly with character design, props, furniture and plants. Another idea can be ‘cool hats with fun logos’. But also just doodling helps a lot.
But if these still don’t work I’ll just take a day off and find some fun/relaxing distractions. The usual ones, I think. Walk trough the heath, forest or beach. Do some cycling or visit family/friends. Extensive cooking from time to time or a day trip with my girlfriend to a random city to visit and exhibition, buy something nice and go for dinner.

5. What are 3 of your favourite films? Which one would you illustrate the poster for?

Hmmm, tough one. Making a top 100 would’ve been easier. I love Wes Anderson’s films, Quentin Tarantino is the best, and every now and then there are very impressive films to discover by directors of which I never heard of… Sloppy top three: Parasite, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Pulp Fiction. I’d definitely make a poster for Parasite.

6. If you could illustrate the book cover for one book which would it be?

Honestly, I’m having a really hard time finding the concentration to start or finish a book. During a good read I might wonder off, dream away and letters start to dance. “What was I reading again?”, and I need to reread the page. A book can take ages for me. I’m very good in reading client’s briefings and articles though! ; )

7. Dream studio location and set up?

A bright conservatory with a view of the heath or meadow. In the centre is a large desk to work on and in each corner is a different project in the pipeline to commute between.

8. Best trip you have ever been on?

In 2018 I went to Bali with one of my best friends Luuk. Completely fell in love with this beautiful island and we had one month full of adventures, the best food, laughter and relaxations. Looking forward to discover everything about Asia.

9. What do you have to have in place before you start work?

A tidy desk is a tidy mind.

10. If you could have any artwork in your home what would it be?

A piece by Henri Rousseau would bring me peace and wanderlust everyday.

Check out Philip’s incredible portfolio here.