Martha Braeuer Interview

What is your favourite card you’ve designed for Sunshine Llama and why?

I think I especially love the ‘let’s get pissed’ design. The whole idea from the colour combinations and the composition came to me so easily and I just loved drawing it.

Can you tell us a little bit more about your design process? What do you enjoy most?

I always sketch thumbnails in my sketchbook first to try out different compositions. Once I have a composition I’m happy with, I take it into Procreate and refine the idea. I then lay down the base colours, trying out different combinations, adding in line work, patterns, and textures to make the illustration feel more complete. At the end I add in shadows where needed, and switch out some colours to create a more complementary palette. I think what I enjoy most about my practice is adding all the finishing touches to my illustrations. I love adding in the final lines and textures to the flat colours I’ve laid down and seeing how that changes a simple design into what I’ve imagined in my head.

How did you get into illustration/design?

I have loved drawing since I can remember and always knew I wanted to do something creative. So studying Illustration at University just felt right.

Where do you find inspiration?

I think I mostly find inspiration from everyday life and the things around me.

Who is your favourite designer/artist/creative person?

Christoph Niemann’s playful work is always exciting to look at!

Do you have any top tips for aspiring designers?

It sounds easy, but making time to draw everyday (anything – even something bad!) without the pressure of creating something good has helped me so much when I’ve felt burnt out or uninspired.

What’s been the best part about working with Sunshine Llama? What have you enjoyed most?

I’ve honestly loved every aspect of working with Sunshine Llama! I’ve loved how excited everyone has been to be working together and how great the communication back and forth has been.

Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

I really love cats.

What’s your favourite film? Why?

I love “The Royal Tenenbaums” – the colours and shot compositions as well as the story! Wes Anderson films as a whole have a special place in my heart.

What’s your star sign?

Through and through a Cancer.