We’re going vector 2D on you this week chatting to Polish illustrator and designer Jan Feliks Kallwejt, one of the more commercially geared artists appearing in May @ ILLUSTRATED 2015. Working in the professional game for well over a decade he’s completed hefty contracts with numerous global brands including Honda, Sony, Converse and even McDonalds (yikes)! We’re always curious to find out how people reach the top of their game doing something they love so thought we’d ask …
When completing client briefs its obvious you inject your own rather quirky sense of fun, how do you get away with this when working for companies with such strict brand guidelines?
Actually I’m often asked by clients to remove elements from my work but I always try to splice some humour into each project, its very important to me. Ultimately I make each illustration a part of my own world and fortunately most of my clients know my style and what to expect. It also helps that some of my works are quite complex, this therefore makes it very easy to smuggle something in!
You’re clearly busy, how important is it to find time to focus on creating your own work?
This is hugely important. I need to be able to do things just for me, without anyone changing or judging. It’s during this personal time I experiment and refine my technique, a period of trial and error helps me figure stuff out – its exciting to think that perhaps it may lead me in another direction, developing even changing my style. Annoyingly though I always have the urge to create my own work right when I’m at my busiest completing commercial jobs.
How did you develop your very identifiable style of illustration and how has it evolved since turning professional?
I could never just decide what my style should be, it came gradually. When I draw something I’m very judgmental, it either satisfies me or it doesn’t, I guess I’ve developed a style which appeals to me, you have to like the work you produce. Sometimes I have to complete briefs not the way I would like which leaves me feeling a bit insecure, I’d rather be on my own territory where I don’t need validation from others, my personal work makes me happy, I’d like to make more time for this.
Your murals and screen prints obviously see you get your hands dirty – is it difficult revering from digital to analogue and which do you prefer?
I rarely get my hands dirty! Today nearly all my murals are painted by teams of professionals who follow my project brief and guidelines. Very occasionally I do my own silkscreen prints but usually someone else does that for me too. Manual work without using the computer is amazing and very relaxing, but it’s not something I want to force it into my commercial practice.
You’ve worked with some of the world’s largest brands including Sony, Honda & Converse, what is it about your work that attracts such a prestigious client base?
Ten years ago working for big brands or prestigious magazines was a big deal for me, I still get excited about it today, but now the project itself is far more important for me than the standing of the client. In the end it’s always about the person and the project, it doesn’t matter to me anymore which brand it is. Once you reach a certain level all kinds of commissions are possible.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Recently I am trying very hard not to plan too much for the future as there will always be hundreds of things I want to accomplish which results in too much pressure. I’d definitely like to do more personal projects though, especially prints. I love when people appreciate my work, want to buy something and hang on the wall. I’d like to have a better connection with them and more to offer.
Don’t miss your chance to pick up one of his signed prints at ILLUSTRATED 2015 (May 9th – 10th) limited tickets available at http://www.showcase-cities.com/our-events
