Now Representing Linn Fritz!
We are very excited to now be representing Swedish Illustrator and Animator, Linn Fritz, in the UK, Italy, Japan and South Korea. Working for over ten years across animation and Illustration, Linn has worked with an impressive client list (including Apple, Nike, Spotify, MTV, WIRED, Vitra and Google), infusing every illustration and animation with a sense of fun, play and considered restraint. Often taking a character led focus, Linn’s dynamic work tackles the everyday and topics such as health, tech, finance, sport and lifestyle with finesse.
We caught up with Linn to ask her a few questions about her work and inspirations, take a read below!
What made you want to become an illustrator?
I have always been a creative soul, but I never planned to become an illustrator. It happened gradually over a few years. I started as a motion designer and kept exploring, practising and having fun. I also had incredible peers who believed in me, and during my time at BUCK in Sydney, the lovely Executive Creative Director pushed me in the illustration direction as he believed that was the right path for me. Forever grateful!
Where do you take inspiration from for your work?
Mostly from everyday life, almost like a journal; things I see and experience. It can feel very vulnerable sometimes to share it with the world, but that is also my favourite thing about art, being vulnerable. I draw a lot of inspiration from old Swedish art and culture. And a bit from modern UK life.
Are there any other illustrators or artists you admire? What do you love about their work?
Too many, but to name a few:
I’ve been a huge fan of Jan Van Der Veken for a long time. He has created his own little universe of these retro-futuristic buildings and characters that are so beautiful.
I’m obsessed with Jiayue Li’s brilliant and absolutely stunning pencil drawings. In this digital age, it’s refreshing to see someone go the opposite direction, which is something that really inspires me, and I would love to explore more myself with analogue techniques.
And speaking of, I’ve recently fallen in love with pottery, so naturally, a few ceramics artists too! Jung Jisook’s characters are so charming and fun, brimming with personality. So inspiring!
What is the best thing about being an illustrator? And the worst?
Being able to draw and create every day is such a privilege, and I still can’t believe it’s my full-time job. Exploring, being creative, and having fun whilst also being part of the lovely creative community is a dream!
But the absolute best thing is all the people I’ve met in the industry who have turned into my closest friends. Sharing this common interest for art and creativity with them and going through life together is a dream!
The downside is definitely the doubt that creeps in every now and then. Imposter syndrome or that pesky feeling of not being good enough.
What do you have to have in place before you start work?
I wake up early, work out, meditate, eat a nice breakfast and go for a short walk to set the perfect mood for the rest of the day. Having a nice, calm morning is a must for me otherwise, I feel stressed for the rest of the day.
I learned the hard way about becoming a freelancer, and I spent a few years just rolling out of bed and onto my office chair without any routines, but it wasn’t sustainable and caught up with me pretty quickly.
How do you overcome a creative block?
Usually, I turn to social media or Pinterest when I have a creative block and end up scrolling forever with no result. So being bored is my answer! Modern life has eliminated boredom completely. But being bored works really well. I go for a walk, take a shower, meditate, and then my brain starts thinking and coming up with ideas instantly.
What are 3 of your favourite films? Which one would you love to illustrate the poster for?
I wouldn’t say I have a favourite film, and it changes all the time, but I love
The Iron Giant, Mean Girls and Star Wars – Return of the Jedi
It would be fun to do a poster for Mean Girls, haha!
If you could work on the book cover for one book, which would it be?
This is difficult as I read so much! But one of my favourite books is a Swedish one called “Jag for ner till bror” by Karin Smirnoff and “I who have never known men” by Jacqueline Harpman or anything that Dolly Alderton has published, she’s brilliant!
What would be your dream studio location and set up?
I would love to have a studio space with my closest friends in the industry, with lots of colour, books and plants. And to turn it into a lively space hosting meet-ups, after-work drinks, talks and screenings. Create a little community!
If you could have any artwork in your home what would it be?
I adore Tove Jansson and the Moomins. I grew up with the stories and the books, and it’s so familiar, nostalgic and safe for me. She also painted, and I love ‘The Shore’ painted by her, in the 1960’s. It reminds me of home.
Take a look at Linn’s full portfolio here!