For this month’s illustrator feature, we were privileged to get to know the amazing Lisa Grue! Chances are you’ve seen her art before, as she’s worked for a number of impressive clients including Vogue Magazine, Anna Sui, and Benefit Cosmetics. Lisa Grue graduated from The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Design in 2001. Since graduation, she has received a number of grants from Danish Arts Foundations and has been selected in curated art and design shows. Lisa experiments with the design process and works with a wide variety of materials and media, including embroidery, porcelain, textile print, acrylic, paper and more. Her aesthetic is unique, combining her love of Scandinavian nature and urban inspiration. We know you’ll love it as much as we do!
So let’s take a peek!
Illustrator Feature: Lisa Grue
1. How did your illustrative style develop? How has it developed and changed over the course of your career?
It’s difficult to describe. I can work in different techniques both by hand with pencil, with paint on large paintings, and on the computer. I have been drawing all my life. As a child, I always participated in drawing competitions together with my sister. We did not have that much money in our family. So my sisters and I won skiing tours for the whole family, a ghetto blaster, drawing materials, books, candy etc. So very early I found my way in life.
2. What do you doodle when you aren’t making anything for a specific project or client?
All kinds of things. It depends on my interest at the time being. But this summer I have a plan of making a series of paintings with Scandinavian woods, trees, and animals.
3. How do you stay original, and what tips on the subject do you have for other creatives?
I am curious as a person. And I always have new ideas that inspire me. I see opportunities in all kind of things, countries, and people I meet. So that leads to different ways to express my self. I find it interesting to work in new media with my illustrations such as embroidery, print on textiles, ceramics, wallpaper, Lino cut etc. My tip would be to try and be open to all the opportunities that show up on the road.
4. Along those lines, how do you react when you sense that other people are copying your work?
5. Where and how do you get inspiration?
I love traveling, so lots of inspiration comes from going abroad. Seeing a new scenery, always makes ideas pop up in my head. Music is also a good source of inspiration.
6. If you weren’t an illustrator, say, in an alternate universe, what would be your creative outlet?
Musician. I would have loved to have started early in life playing piano and practice singing. Different music genres create so many inspiring emotions.
7. What does your studio or workspace mean to you?
It means very much to be to be in an environment that has a good vibe and feeling. One that expresses creativity. It does not work for me to be in an office that is boring and without life. I need some magic in my life, to be happy.
8. Do you feel that attending art or design school is crucial for an artist to “make it” in 2017?
No, I do not find it crucial at all. We all have different ways in our lives. But it is always a good thing to attend art and design school because you will learn techniques and methods you can apply to your art. And I am so happy with the things I have learned at the Royal Academy of Design here in Copenhagen. You also get a good network, which is good later on in your career.
A huge thank you to Lisa Grue for letting us interview her and taking a look inside her view on art and illustration! Make sure to check out her Website and her Instagram for more inspiring art!
Comments