What inspired you to become an artist, and when did you first realise that you wanted to pursue this career path? We (Carlijn and Elvera) met at the Art Acadamy in the Netherlands. So we both were already dreaming of becoming artists. For Elvera it was a love for stories, picturebooks and such from a young age, and Carlijn was also a creative kid, who drew a lot. What are some of your favourite materials and mediums to work with, and why do you prefer them? We love linocut and painting, but we also love working digitally. Procreate and Photoshop. How would you describe your artistic style, and how has it evolved over time? We make illustrations that are colourful and a mix with graphic design. We started with combining Photoshop and linocut ink prints, and we still combine handwork with digital, but kind of evolved the process and the results. What themes or ideas do you explore in your artwork, and why are they important to you? We make a lot of colourful art with a focus on kids' rooms, because we found the range supply in (web)stores very dull and with neutral colours. So we made it kind of our mission to make colourful and imaginative art to brighten up the rooms. After a couple years we also started making more subtle art for general livingrooms. Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial concept to the finished piece? We just start making whatever we want to basically. What challenges have you faced in your artistic career, and how have you overcome them? Our collaboration was and is a smooth one, the more difficult thing is to find the right market to sell your products. You make all these artworks and products, but how do you get them to “the people?” We’re not a household name yet and when we make something new people are not standing in line to acquire it. Social media can be a great medium to help with this, but platforms such as Instagram can still be complicated to navigate when you want a professional account that gathers lots of followers and likes. Algorithms change all the time, and it can be an extra job just to keep up with the strategic way of posting. We both have three kids and work part-time so it’s tough to do all of this marketing stuff next to the actual creating. This is something you try to figure out along the way, and it can take longer when you do not have the luxury of smacking a pile of money at it for advertising and stuff like that. Who are some artists or other creative figures that have influenced your work, and how have they inspired you? Julie Avisar, Beatrice Alemagna, Ema Malyauka, Francisco Fonseca, Egbert Modderman, Amber Davenport, How do you stay motivated and inspired when you hit a creative block or rough patch? Just put the work down, go outside and get your mind off of it. What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out on their artistic journeys? Don't undervalue your work. What are your goals for your art in the future, and where do you see your career going in the next few years? We'd love to make a picturebook someday. What's your favourite piece that you sell on Fy! and why? The Hot Air Balloons, because we just love the colours and the vibe Which other artists on the Fy! platform do you love? Henry Rivers from Travel Posters Co Can you share with us a favourite piece of art from another artist and tell us why you love it? (please ensure the artwork is available on Fy!) Positano View from Mambo. The colours and handwork are amazing How do you see your art contributing to the wider cultural conversation, and what message or themes do you hope to convey through your work? What advice do you have for aspiring artists who are just starting out in their careers? 16. Our shoppers love to buy multiple pieces to create Gallery walls, can you suggest any other art prints on Fy! which you feel compliment yours? All work from Travel Poster Co 17. Tell us about the artwork you hang in your own home and how this fits into your interior style? 18. Where is your artwork best suited in a home? Do you love making prints for big bright hallway spaces or cosy bedroom corners? A lot is suited for the children's room!
