In 2020, I followed the training 'Get more work out of your illustrations' by art director Monique van der Vlist. For twelve weeks, along with other illustrators, I worked on my craft. Not on content or technique, but on the story of me and my illustrations. What dreams do I have, and what do I need to make them come true? What characterizes my style, and how do I want the world to see me? It was a very interesting training, and it was also great fun to meet other illustrators.
Two years have passed since then, but the word that has stuck with me the most, when it comes to my work, is 'Hygge.' Hygge (pron. Hoo-gah) The Danish art of living, similar to 'our' coziness, though hygge goes further. Candles, warm drinks, big chunky scarves, going into the woods, and being kind to yourself are important elements.
The internet is full of what hygge is, and for a while, it was quite a buzzword (I even wrote more about it). Now, thankfully, the hype seems to be over, and I feel that hygge can just be hygge again. Because in Denmark, it's really the most normal thing in the world to advertise with 'hyggelige' socks :)
And how wonderful! The coziest time of the year has arrived! Because it's autumn, and the clock has switched to winter time. The birches I look out at from behind my desk have already shed their leaves; they form a beautiful ocher-yellow carpet in the garden. And my favorite scarf is never more than an arm's length away from me.
To further clarify the concept, here is my autumn/winter hygge top 5:
I am a big fan of audiobooks. That's how the Christmas and new hygge cards came about, with Harry Potter – read by Stephen Fry – in my ears.
Well, I was already a big fan of Denmark, and now I have fully embraced hygge, even when it comes to my work. Not that I spend all day drawing warm socks, but I do ask myself if everything I draw fits the concept.
For example, last spring I created a series of seven illustrations; hygge in spring/summer. Including a teapot inspired by Danish design, a beautiful enamel pitcher with flowers, a retro typewriter with a latte on the side, and a charming little house in the countryside with chickens in the garden. And now four autumn/winter cards have been added. You can find all of these in the shop.
I am completely happy with the result of the training and with my 'word'. It's a hook, a compass, and a state of mind all at once.