Duration: Two years.

Location: Berlin, Germany.

Education: BA in communication design at the Mainz University of Applied Sciences, Mainz, Germany, and the Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach am Main, Offenbach, Germany.

Career path: I wanted to work in a creative field for a long time. During my studies, I became more and more certain of working as an illustrator—although I’m still curious about graphic design, art and architecture. My studies at Mainz had a more occupation-oriented education, whereas at Offenbach I took an artistic approach; this combination helped me develop myself and find a personal balance within my work.

Cultural influences: I take a lot of inspiration from daily life. I’m influenced by the people around me and things that I see, but also a lot from movies and books that offer interesting approaches to atmosphere. I like the aesthetics of old computer games and Bauhaus architects, and I’m enthused by all kinds of static drawings—especially isometric ones.

Favorite projects: I did a series of illustrations for Copenhagen-based research and design lab SPACE10 in which I created a surrealistic world to explore the future of living in urban surroundings and the balance between life and the social environment. I like working for clients who give me a certain amount of freedom, so the output becomes not only a personal execution but also a creative development. Working for clients like the New York Times, The New Yorker and ELEPHANT magazine always gives me the feeling that the work is still mine, even with art direction

Approach: The mix of 3-D realistic illustrations in combination with an isometric, top-down perspective plays a factor in defining my style. Within these boundaries, I really like to play around with different sceneries, color aesthetics and eras while still retaining that recognition—I guess.

Aspirations: In ten to fifteen years, I still want to enjoy what I’m doing, developing my style and myself. I like working in diverse fields for different clients, whether editorial or advertising. The diversity is brilliant, and I want to keep that.

Philosophy: Don’t let others restrict you.