Tilda Martensson Interview

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

I would say the Birthday card with the dogs in the deely boppers. I like how the different textures and shapes are combined and how the characters turned out so different from one another. And they look so happy!

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

I often make a colorscheme, experiment with it and try out what kind of textures I want. Sometimes it feels fun to mix textures, and for some projects I like to keep it more simple, depending on the brief. When I’m done with the drawing I often correct and adjust colors in photoshop. The part I enjoy the most is the coloring. I can sit for hours, trying out different shades and working with contrasts. It’s really stimulating and sometimes challenging, but always so much fun!

How did you get into illustration/design?

I fell in love with drawing and watching illustrations in books very early on. To me it has always been like entering another world. When I was a kid I went to art classes after school, and when I was going to highschool the choice of the art and design programme was easy. After that I studied a year in a preparatory Art and Design school in Lund, Sweden. Then I studied my bachelor in Design at the university of Gothenburg, with illustration as my main focus.

Where do you find inspiration?

It often comes from ordinary everyday observations, such as watching my cat chewing a plant or a snail passing by a papernote on the street. Animals are often involved and I would say that my cat is one of my biggest sources of inspiration.

Who is your favourite designer/artist/creative person?

I only could choose one, I would have to say the Finnish illustrator and artist Tove Jansson. Her imagery worlds are truly incredible.

Do you have any top tips for aspiring designers?

Try not to get to stuck with “finding your one style”. Exploration is the best way to evolve, I think.

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

I truly love the creative ideas for the motives I was designing. The brief couldn’t have been better and the communication has been great.

Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

I can sing with my mouth closed.

What’s your favourite film? Why?

One is “Melancholia” by Danish director Lars von Trier. As the title indicates, it is truly melancholy and has a very beautiful scenery.

What’s your star sign?

Aquarius.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Thank you so much for letting me be a part of the Sunshine Llama-team!