Artistic Minds want to know....

An Interview with Martin Haake

Hi Martin, You live in Germany and work internationally. Is there a difference in what your German Clients are asking for as compared to your American Clients?

I think illustration in American has a much longer history and produced so much more about illustrations than here and have an eye also for all kinds of more "arty" and edgy work. But the German clients have changed in the past few years and also use more artistic illustrations, which is nice.

Could you till us more about your art and design background and what made you become an artist and designer?

I studied communication arts and actually wanted to become a copywriter. But I changed my concepts because I always loved art and design and I wanted to work more on that field so I became an illustrator. Being able to create a world out of my own, I love that.

Your work is quite unique, can you tell us where your inspiration comes from?

My absolute favorite artists are the American Folk Artists. People like Bill Traylor, Martin Ramirez and Howard Finster. I feel very much inspired by their work and try to put their spirit into my images. That's why my favorite Museum is the American Folk Art Museum in New York. Oh, and Saul Steinberg is my all time hero!. But I also like diaries and telephone doodles which aesthetics I try to put into my images as well. All in all I would say everything shouldn't be too perfect, including my illustrations.

What hardware and software are you using?

I draw and paint and cut paper and in the end I put it together by hand or by photoshop.

How dies your job as and artist and designer influence your life? Do you feel that you see things around you differently?

Oh yes! I am observing all my surroundings for some aesthetic surprise, make photos, notes and try to use it for the next job. If I find a handwritten shopping list on the pavement, I'll grab it and put it into one of my boxes. I am sure there will come a time when I can need it.

Where would you like to be with your illustration 5 to 10 years from now?

I did some exhibitions in the past few years and would love to work more on that.