Sandra Dieckmann is a 28 year young illustrator that lives in a large Victorian house in East London. Sandra was on the path of becoming a fashion designer when she decided to make the switch to illustration and graphic design. She has an amazing portfolio that any artist would be proud to call their own.

Now for our exclusive interview with illustrator Sandra Dieckmann. Enjoy.

How old are you?

I’m 28 years young.

What inspired you to move to London and how long have you lived there?

I came in 2002…nothing really inspired me. It was sort of a rush decision but I don’t regret it. The one bag that I came with all these years ago has turned into a big space filled with funny and interesting bits that I have collected over the years. I’m happy staying in London for now anyway.

Do you have an art studio in your home?

Yes I do. I live in a big shared Victorian house in East London with my boyfriend, my cat Little Crumb and more friends. My studio is a beautiful room with loads of light. I really regard it as a luxury. I’ve only been in here a few weeks and am over the moon. It’s so quite here and leafy and it’s such a difference to the flat that I lived in previously.

When did you decide to make the switch from fashion designer to illustrator / graphic designer and make art your career?

Switching wasn’t hard at all. I never finished my Fashion Degree as I knew then already that it was the wrong path for me. I have drawn all my life and made things, not excluding sewing, but I missed making images that came from the heart. Visuals that had to do with what I wanted to say. I thought it obscene to be asked to produce 500 sketches of jeans in one night. I love dressing up and appreciate well made and interesting looking clothes but come on! A lifetime devoted to dressing? I’m not Coco Chanel and really not into the hype.

Towards the end of my degree in Graphic Information Design I took a few modules in Illustration and there just re-confirmed my passion. I was in the right place and from then on never really stopped. I wouldn’t yet call illustration my career. I’m not living off it fully and who knows if I ever will. I’m just enjoying what I do and it’s really nice to be busy at the moment. I’ve met some amazing creatives and really have to give credit to everyone who has supported me in the last few years. I’m also employed part time as a manager by the RSPCA here in London. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I very much enjoy working for them and have a good work/illustration balance. If the commissions keep coming I shall think again.

You have BA in Graphic Information Design form the University of Westminster London. Do you think that having a degree and formal training has helped you become a professional artist?

I personally wouldn’t say no. I don’t think University has done anything for my personal development apart from the time it has given me to grow. I might as well have studied anything! It sounds harsh I know but really no one asks any more about your education and I worked damn hard to get my first class honours with distinction. I’m sure other people will have completely different opinions and experiences but I could have done without.

Mac versus PC?

Mac any day! Fisher Price for adults!

Tablet versus pencil and paper?

Pencil and paper always! I personally prefer it when the artist actually touches the paper. A lot of vector art is missing life for me. Imperfection is charming. I’d never say never though!

Can you walk us through your creative process?

I love it best when inspiration carries me right into a self initiated piece. Those images come along easiest. I have of course also got briefs from clients. Sometimes that is hard and it takes me a while to get started. I always start with the characters (animals) and get them just right. Their posture and their expression. When their eyes light up I’m happy.

Pencil and paper are my weapons of choice. Sometimes ink. I complete them, colour them and while I’m working on that the landscape/background will take shape in my mind.

I often collage my pieces digitally so they are drawn in sections and put together later. Not always of course. It’s not really a fixed or mapped out process. When I’m not working as manager for the RSPCA I take my illustrations as a job. I will get up have a coffee and work all day, every day! Illustrating, answering emails, updating profiles, creating products. It’s pretty mind blowing sometimes as I have about a million to do lists all scattered around my home studio but I love it.

What have been some of your favorite recent illustrations?

My most recent piece and a favorite of mine is Tukota, the story of the White Bison. It is an illustrated book in progress and a work of love. My mother who passed away was absolutely in infatuated with bison and I’m doing this book for her as well as myself. It’s in memory of a beautiful strong woman and a playful retelling of the legend of the white bison who spoke to the native American Indians.The narrative is not planned in any way, I’m experimenting with hand lettering, pattern, space and pattern and other things I’d like to explore further. I’m also taking my time with this project. I work on ideas whenever I get the time and while I’m working on commissions enjoy going back to learn more about the legend.

What fuels your creativity and keeps you producing new work?

Time and space. Nature and music. Friends, my cat…just anything!

Do you feel that collaborating with other artists is important?

I have in the past worked with other artist on a single image and of course on projects in University years ago. I’ve collaborated with fellow illustrator Jamie Mills on a series of Endangered Animals. I think that was my first big collaborative venture with only one other individual. We have a Society6 studio together: Endangered Animals Series.

I think a collaboration really depends on the chemistry between the involved parties. It’s no good pushing ideas back and forward and always disagreeing. Collaborating with Jamie has been a dream. We have similar interests and aesthetics although that isn’t a must but it helps things enormously. Apart from meeting a talented and sweet young man that has become a close friend now collaborating really teaches you to make compromises and educates you about your own work as the criticism received can be very constructive. I enjoyed it greatly and hope that more is to come. So yes I think it is important to try. There is a lot to learn from opening your doors. I also collaborate and invite artists to work together on a larger scale through my projects ‘Haus Stories’ and ‘If I was you’ and lately the Creature Curiosity project.

What artists inspire you?

I’m constantly exposed to other peoples work in the creative community and I think you can’t help but soak up the variety of work you see. To point out only two; Gabriella Barouch and Jamie Mills who I mentioned earlier are both great illustrators and talented drafts man. I really appreciate their skill. Nevertheless I mostly enjoy looking at fine artists like Picasso, August Macke, Degas, and a favorite of mine…Gustav Klimt.

What goals do you have for the next few years?

Find the end of the rainbow. Walk up the rainbow. Climb from there onto a mountain and slide back down through the snow. No, really…I just want to have fun while working as hard as time and energy permit. I’m really open to anything! More exhibitions, life drawing, my book Tukota, commissions, a spot of travel maybe…whatever life has in store I’m ready!

Do you have any advice for future illustrators/graphic designers that want to make a career out of their art?

Don’t be disillusioned it takes a lot of work and commitment. Be strong. Do it for yourself and no one else. Don’t think about the money. That will never work. If it’s a performance from your site keep in mind that in time you’ll be exhausted. Fashion comes and goes. Be yourself, speak your mind, have an opinion and for your own sake be honest to yourself and others! Create what you find aesthetically pleasing!

Is there anything else about you that you would like the world to know about Sandra Dieckmann?

I have dyed my hair 10,000 times. For a few years I thought I was a ghost. I’m 6 and I’m 60. Don’t be shy and say hi!

Hope you enjoyed our interview with Sandra Dieckmann. For more info and to see more of her work, please visit sandradieckmann.com. Make sure to follow her on Twitter or ‘like’ her Facebook page if you’re into that kind of thing.