Interview with Denise Fort

Today we have interviewed Denise Fort. She’s a real traveler so we got lucky to catch her on her trip. Denise has made the “TreeHouse” design for Teeshed, which is available at our showroom here.

We had a great time working with her and here you get the chance to get to know her a little better.
http://www.fort-illustrations.com/

1. Hi Denise, could you give us a little background on yourself and where and how you discovered your talents?

I was born in Munich, but my parents are originally from the Czech Republic.
They moved to Germany for a better life which is why I have a slightly different attitude to most people I grew up with.

As a girl I was a bit of a “Tomboy” and still don’t mind getting my hands dirty.
In saying that though, I still played with my friends “Barbie dolls” now and then because it was a novelty for me. I only had one or two dolls my Czech family sent me when I was about 8, but my favorite toy in the world was and still is Lego.
My brother and I would wake my parents up very early with the distinctive shuffling noise that Lego makes, not to mention fighting over one piece.
My brother was right into drawing ever since he learned how to hold a pen, and we drew a lot together. He would create the subject and give meaning to the drawing. I guess he taught me how motivate myself to practice hard even when you have natural talent. I owe a lot to my brother, Daniel for encouraging me to pursue my dreams even from an early age.

Forest's Last Trees

These kinds of games I played when I was a child became more important to me as I grew older. More important than having a structured life, having the right car, living in the right part of Munich etc … snore for me. This encouraged me to pursue a career in creative arts.
Having problems in a normal school environment, I changed to a more creative focused secondary school. This allowed me to hone my talents more effectively. This helped me to make a big decision. Which was originally to study to become a professional Industrial Designer mainly because everyone told me it was the only way to get paid for my talent. Plus there was a clear career path to see ahead of me. But my heart felt that I would be better to go Freelance and become an artist.
This then lead me to travel from Munich as I could see how my whole life was going to be – arghh! I went to Bolzano to study Product – and Graphic Design, mainly to integrate my love of travel with learning.

Then I needed more inspiration for my art, so I continued to travel , firstly Indonesia, then India, Sri Lanka, Portugal several times, Spain, Australia, and finally
New Zealand. I love NZ especially this small west coast town called Raglan (or Whaingaroa in native Moari language). It’s perfect for me to live my ideal lifestyle at the moment.

It was in Raglan where I discovered that I could make a career out of my artwork style. So this place is very dear to me.

I plan to stay “on tour” to continue to spread my work over the entire globe, and then, beyond …

Lisboa 2005

2. You have been traveling around for a while now. What are you looking for?

“The Fresh”. As an artist I need a lot of new experiences to inspire me in my work.

3. What’s your greatest achievement yet?

To create my unique style, and to have it recognized by my peers.

I was so envious of other artists who had a signature styles, so I guess this jealousy drove me mad enough to work my but off and draw and draw…….and draw. Until finally one night in Lisboa it just popped out of me onto the page. I then drew all night the city Lisboa over 4 pages in my sketchbook. I sent the picture back home to get some feedback which arrived via email the next night. It was bonafide!

Cd cover

4. What is your work-flow when making a new design? What programs and technical stuff do you absolutely need?

It depends on the project. Usually I do a lot of background research, on the subject and it’s deeper meaning. I then let it go through my mind channels where the magic happens. When the concept is clear I write it down or just start do it – it depends on the project. When I´m drawing for myself, my own style is mainly required or drawing on 3dimensional media I draw without any fronting. I love it how the illustration grow naturally with my aesthetic understanding.

5. From mushrooms to rabbits. I’m almost afraid to ask, but where you do you get your inspiration from?

My inner world.

I draw things that I like to see. But it’s based on everything I see and experience as interpreted by my vision and style.

Schnapps Carton

6. Is it hard create a good balance between what you want, and what the customer wants? Have you ever made something that you didn’t like at all?

To balance the customer needs is a matter of training. Because in my mind this is the job of the designer and is the main focus of conceptualizing any project with the customer and for the target group. I take components from everywhere and endeavor to fit everything together to maximize the effect of the design in keeping with what the customer wants.

I have honestly never experienced a bad project, mainly because I can do almost any style and I still enjoy the challenge this can provide.

7. What would you give as advice to upcoming talent?

Just practice as much as possible, even when you have a natural talent for anything and make sure that it’s your passion. Not everyone has a talent so if you happen to be blessed with a unique skill don’t waste it. To live out your talent is what makes you happy.

Marie Bug Branding

8. What is, according to you, the best invention ever made?

Fine-liners and markers! But there could be much more different fine-liners and especially markers amson the market! Please develop more!

9. What is the meaning of life?

I can’t speak for the whole world, but for me it’s to remain grounded and connected to everything. Enjoy the journey!

Sketch

10. Where do you see yourself within 5 years?

In the mirror!

I’m building experience in my life by traveling and experiencing new things. In other words, my life is very spontaneous. I really have no idea what will happen next.