In conversation with an illustrator
„Just do it! Everybody has a talent. You just have to find out what it is. „
Wilhelm is a self-employed graphic designer and illustrator from Austria. He studied “MultiMediaArt” at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and became famous by designing and illustrating for international record labels. He’s working as a freelance designer for Red Bull and Skinsfactory since 2002. He also founded an online store in 2011 where he sells t-shirts with his own designs.
We are all mad here
print24:
Wilhelm, your work is very creative, colorful and diverse. Where do you get your ideas from? Do you use any specific source to get inspired?
Wilhelm:
Usually I don´t have a precise concept when I start to design. It´s more like a particular feeling or mood I want to show, because I’m afraid no to be able to realize the things I imagined. I try to surprise myself. That works best for me.
I don´t use a specific source of inspiration. I just try to observe my environment and create my work out of this.
print24:
When did you realize that you wanted to make a living from creative work? Did you draw a lot as a kid or did you notice later that drawing is something you like?
Wilhelm:
Actually it was quite late. I didn´t like to paint as a kid, most time I played with LEGO. I became interested in music later, that´s why I studied “MultiMediaArt”. During my studies I had my first contact with Photoshop and was excited about all the creative stuff you can do with this tool.
print24:
You run a commercial website, a private blog and an online store. How does a typical day in the life of Wilhelm Steiner looks like?
Wilhelm:
Actually there´s no typical day in my life and I´m really thankful for this. It never gets boring because I have to take care of all these different projects. Mostly I start with the important projects / headlines in the morning and I try to save some time for personal projects.
Catharsis
print24:
How hard is it to abide by the guidelines of the customers? Do you get enough space to realize your ideas?
Wilhelm:
That’s a quite difficult issue. It depends on the client. In the first years as a freelancer I´ve always tried to find a balance between my own influence and customer guidelines but it’s not always possible.In the last years I understood that it’s best to separate contract work and self-fulfillment. That´s why I have two websites: www.steinerei.at for paid services and www.deaddreamer.com for my personal work.
print24:
You own an online store since 2011 where you sell clothes with your designs. How did it start? Was it a long-cherished dream or were you approached by others who wanted to wear your work on t-shirt?
Wilhelm:
I had several reasons. In the first instance I wanted my illustration become more than just digital images on the computer. I already entered a few design competitions and some shirts were produced. Core3 is my own label and I can control all aspects- designs, quality, packaging, corporate identity and printing.
Identity
print24:
Why did you start to do cover design for bands? Do you know the musicians in personal? How does music influence your creative work?
Wilhelm:
Designing CD covers has been always a thing I wanted to do. When I was a teenager I loved the illustrations of covers and the music behind it. I found out that the combination of music and graphic has a great immersion. In 2000 / 2001 my website and my graphic work became quite popular and I got in contact with several artists and music labels.
Unfortunately a lot of things have changed in the past few years. Due to a rise in digital music CD’s are not that profitable anymore, less CD’s are produced and illustrations became secondary. I illustrated about 100 CD’s from 2002 to 2010, but then it stopped and I started to do t-shirt designs.
print24:
The music cover designs are really dark and quite “spacey”. Are you interested in science fiction or was it just what your customers wanted?
Wilhelm:
Sci-fi is one of my main inspirations. I identify especially with the concept of cyberpunk.
print24:
Your portfolio is really diverse: illustrations, design and creation. Which achievement is the one you´re most proud of?
Wilhelm:
Basically, my main focus is always on the work I create at the moment – I try to improve my skills and explore new things. I´m especially proud of reinventing myself if it´s necessary because I don’t want to be that boring artist who always does the same things.
Omen
print24:
Did you ever had an artist´s block in your life or do you always have some ideas in mind? What would you recommend in case of a creative block?
Wilhelm:
You can always have an artist´s block. You just have to know how to handle it. Some things are quite easy and unexpected, others need more work and sacrifice which unfortunately doesn´t mean the result is great. For me the visual expression means the conflict with the “empty canvas”.
print24:
In your latest work you’re experimenting with different styles and combining them to real artworks. What advice would you give to newbies?
Wilhelm:
Just do it! Many people believe that they can´t do it or aren´t talented enough. In my opinion everybody has a talent. You just have to find out what it is. The key is learning by doing. You have to love and enjoy what you do and as with many things the journey is the reward.
print24:
Thanks for the interview Wilhelm and all the best for you!
If you want to see more of Wilhelm, visit his Facebookpage!
