The beast can be your buddy. I wouldn't exchange my beast for another, however annoying my beast can be at times. Reminding me at odd hours about losses, heartaches, mistakes, and accidents. Telling me that the imposter syndrome isn't a syndrome when it comes to me, but a reality. Keeping me down at times. But it's my beast. No one else can understand it as I do. So we stick together. . . . #sketchbook #fieldnotes @fieldnotesbrand @pilotnordic #mybeast #lyckligochstark #happyandstrong (at Sankt Georg, Hamburg, Germany) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfoZlMpjf3o/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I see that I have some new followers who are at the beginning of their illustrator journey. That makes me really happy. I remember when I started out, in a state of insecurity and bubbly energy at the same time. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This illustration, which is now two decades old, was my first paid illustration gig. It was in 2002, for an article about sexual harassment in Götheborgske Spionen. You can see I was more influenced by comic art at that time. I had been hanging out with comic artists for a while and loved creating characters and inking outlines. The approach to the topic is very much pre-metoo. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I remember how proud I was when I saw it in print. . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #illustration #illustrations #illustrator #fbf #flashbackfriday #illustrationartists #creative #illustratorsoninstagram #illustratorsjourney #pencildrawing #inkillustration #coloredpencils #editorial #editorialillustration #magazineillustration #oldwork #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark (at Gothenburg) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce6L1-fDnfR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Today's throwback is from 2004. I think it was my first gig for the magazine Faktum. Actually, I'm doing some new illustrations for them at this very moment. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Faktum is a magazine working against homelessness, poverty, and exclusion. Working for them means something extra to me. So I'm happy to see that it also has a long history. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #illustration #illustrations #illustrator #throwbackthursday #illustrationartists #creative #illustratorsoninstagram #aquarelle #gouache #ink #editorial #editorialillustration #magazineillustration #swedishillustrator #illustratorcentrum #associationofillustrators #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark (at Reportagebörsen) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce3q0K3jqE7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Throwback to this illustration which I made for the magazine Skriva, for an article about Ideas. I would love to go on a balloon ride someday. Until then, I will be happy to ride with my ideas. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #illustration #illustrations #illustrator #draw #illustrationartists #best_of_illustrations #creative #tbt #illustratorsoninstagram #photoshopillustration #digitalillustration #throwbackthursday #photoshop #kylebrushes #truegrittexturesupply #digitaldrawing #editorial #editorialillustration #magazineillustration #swedishillustrator #illustratorcentrum #associationofillustrators #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark (at Bagaregården, Göteborg) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChslmbXjhKT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

So, I'm back from my vacation after four weeks of backpacking in Denmark, Germany, France, England, Scotland, and Belgium. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here's a vacation image that I made for Kommunalarbetaren before this adventure. The question I was to illustrate was: How much vacation can you get? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #illustration #illustrations #illustrator #draw #vacation #pool #resort #bathing #pooldream #illustrationartists #best_of_illustrations #creative #artistsoninstagram #illustratorsoninstagram #photoshopillustration #digitalillustration #digitalart #photoshop #kylebrushes #truegrittexturesupply #digitaldrawing #editorial #editorialillustration #magazineillustration #swedishillustrator #illustratorcentrum #associationofillustrators #directoryofillustration #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark (at Reportagebörsen) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgwvMqQDOF3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

What can be considered an emergency? And how fast can a nurse drive, during working hours, if the nurse is trying to help out in an emergency situation? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kommunalarbetaren wanted to explain the laws when it comes to driving, work and speed. . . . #illustration #illustrations #illustrator #draw #illustrationartists #best_of_illustrations #carillustrations #drivingfast #illustratorsoninstagram #photoshopillustration #digitalillustration #digitalart #photoshop #kylebrushes #truegrittexturesupply #digitaldrawing #editorial #editorialillustration #magazineillustration #swedishillustrator #illustratorcentrum #associationofillustrators #directoryofillustration #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark (at Reportagebörsen) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfUI4wYjouD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Illustration for @kommunalarbetaren about the A-kassa, the Swedish name for unemployment insurances. A union member in Kommunal asked: When should I change my A-kassa if I change my working field? This was my take on it. I think I would love a purse like that. Especially the red one. But with an F on it, I guess … . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #illustration #illustrations #illustrator #draw #illustrationartists #best_of_illustrations #creative #artistsoninstagram #illustratorsoninstagram #photoshopillustration #digitalillustration #digitalart #photoshop #kylebrushes #truegrittexturesupply #digitaldrawing #editorial #editorialillustration #magazineillustration #swedishillustrator #illustratorcentrum #associationofillustrators #directoryofillustration #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark (at Gothenburg) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfHSkLNjQCb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

My mother used to work night shifts during most of my adult life. Now she's retired. She worked as a guide supporting the volunteers picking up the phone at the Swedish church's talk line. And she worked every Christmas eve also. So for many years, we celebrated Christmas together at lunchtime before she got ready for work. She said many called the nights before Christmas eve. A lot of anxiety, stress, and fear. But on Christmas eve it was usually quieter. The fears before something happens can sometimes be worse than when it's actually happening. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Okay, back to this work-related illustration: The rules for the night shifts are shifting, so I made this illustration for Kommunalarbetaren ... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #illustration #illustrations #illustrator #draw #illustrationartists #best_of_illustrations #creative #artistsoninstagram #illustratorsoninstagram #photoshopillustration #digitalillustration #digitalart #photoshop #kylebrushes #truegrittexturesupply #digitaldrawing #editorial #editorialillustration #magazineillustration #swedishillustrator #illustratorcentrum #associationofillustrators #directoryofillustration #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark (at Bagaregården, Göteborg) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeyxMjkDQrw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

So, I have some weeks of work left before my vacation. So here comes a work-related illustration that I made for Kommunalarbetaren recently. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's about how the rules are for resting time between shifts. Of course, I had to bring Charlie Chaplin's iconic image from Modern times into this illustration. . . . #illustration #illustrations #illustrator #draw #illustrationartists #best_of_illustrations #creative #artistsoninstagram #illustratorsoninstagram #photoshopillustration #digitalillustration #digitalart #photoshop #kylebrushes #truegrittexturesupply #digitaldrawing #editorial #editorialillustration #magazineillustration #swedishillustrator #illustratorcentrum #associationofillustrators #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark #sleepy #moderntimes #charliechaplin (at Bagaregården, Göteborg) https://www.instagram.com/p/CewPgsMj0_k/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

There are some new followers here, so I want to give you all a presentation of me. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I grew up in Bergsjön (a suburb outside Gothenburg, Sweden) with my four siblings, a Swedish mum, and a dad from Cabo Verde. We were vegans, and I and my sisters were often seen in dresses with frills and with long braids in our hair, as coming directly from the TV series Little House on the Prarie. It was, well … different and I’ve learned to embrace different ever since. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When I was eight I wrote in a “My friends” book that I wanted to be a teacher and an illustrator. And so I did. I've been teaching visual arts, illustration, animation, and design for many years until five years ago when I decided to focus on my illustrations and graphic design full-time. So now I create editorial illustrations, posters, book covers and more all day. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I care about equality and solidarity and try to be inclusive in all my work. It's not always easy, but I aim to create a world for everyone in my illustrations. And that is one great advantage of being an illustrator; you can build stuff that does not exist in reality. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In my spare time, I play the piano, mostly Monk, Debussy, and Chopin. I also love movies, especially by directors like Todd Solondz, Wes Anderson, and the Coen brothers. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I get excited about stuff in periods. Like crocheting, boxing, sourdough bread, weightlifting, GTD, or journaling. Some interests I keep after the period and some I just toss away. We’ll see what I’m excited about next time I give you a presentation … ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Photo by the excellent Nicke Johansson. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #artist #illustrator #designer #artistsoninstagram #illustratorsoninstagram #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark #creative #illustrationartists #graphicdesigner #portrait #nickejohansson #presentation #associationofillustrators #swedishillustrator #illustratorcentrum (at Gothenburg) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUIX-sgskZi/?utm_medium=tumblr

This week a kid, actually a journalist kid at the magazine I work with for some weeks now, asked me what I like the most about being an illustrator. And I had to think for a while, but then I answered that, besides the immediate satisfaction of drawing and painting, I appreciate that I get to read about a lot of different thing. I also like to convey diverse existences and all the various conditions that we humans live under. That gives my work purpose. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Who can enter your home? If you live in a housing community you are not able to decide that. Because if someone wants a relative to have a key of their own, it's, of course, a decision that is up to that resident. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Illustration for @kommunalarbetaren Swipe to see it in the publication. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #illustration #drawing #digitalart #artwork #illustrator #draw #artistsoninstagram #illustratorsoninstagram #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark #photoshopillustration #digitalillustration #photoshop #illustrationartists #arte #editorial #digitaldrawing #editorialillustration #associationofillustrators #magazineillustration #illustrations #graphitedrawing #swedishillustrator #illustratorcentrum #thisisangered (at Bagaregården, Göteborg) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQb45StJl5o/?utm_medium=tumblr

Can you bring your friend to work every day, even if it's a big drooling fellow who loves to watch your colleagues at the lunch table? Just because your boss also loves dogs, should you push it and get yet another dog to bring to work? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I can imagine it's expensive to have someone watch your dog every day as you go to work. But, hey, don't get a dog then ... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To celebrate International Dog Day, I give you this sad-eyed hang around. It's an illustration of a question sent to the union magazine Kommunalarbetaren, describing this horrifying situation. . . . #illustration #art #drawing #internationaldogday #digitalart #spaghetti #illustrator #draw #beggingdog #illustratorsoninstagram #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark #photoshopillustration #workplaceissues #artoftheday #digitalillustration #photoshop #creative #illustrationartists #dog #editorial #digitaldrawing #editorialillustration #associationofillustrators #magazineillustration #illustrations #graphitedrawing #swedishillustrator #illustratorcentrum (at Reportagebörsen) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTCzVqrjVNi/?utm_medium=tumblr

Now it's more than four years since I worked my last day as a teacher at high school. People often ask me if I miss it. Some things I miss, like the colleagues and the interesting conversations we had in the teachers rooms. Imagine having colleagues that are specialized in a variety of topics, like philosophy, chemistry, literature, theatre, dance, history, car mechanics. Well this list can be really long and I think you got the picture, so I will stop there. I also miss all the fun moments with the students. For me it was lovely to be surrounded by all that spontaniety, even at eight a clock in the morning. I could have an idea about where I wanted things to go, but the students often showed me three alternative ways, or more. Something I definitely don't miss is giving grades. I was happy that there wasn't national tests also for my courses, that seemed like so much work, both to prepare, execute and assess. This illustration is for the cover of the magazine Skolporten. The theme for this issue is national tests, and how they should match better with the grades given. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Swipe to see the cover. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Thank you, Christian Sabe (art director) for a great collaboration and for all the valuable feedback! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #illustration #art #drawing #artist #digitalart #artwork #illustrator #coverillustration #draw #artistsoninstagram #illustratorsoninstagram #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark #photoshopillustration #instaart #artoftheday #digitalillustration #photoshop #creative #teacher #school #illustrationartists #grades #editorial #digitaldrawing #editorialillustration #portrait #magazineillustration #illustrations #nationaltests (at Bagaregården, Göteborg) https://www.instagram.com/p/CI1FcESpMlo/?igshid=sskgftupa787

I wish you all a Happy New Year with this throwback at 2021 in the form of art vs artist. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I can't be happier about this year. I've been lucky to work with amazing clients and inspiring projects, World Illustration Awards shortlisted my work, and last but not least; Got a room of one’s own at Ringön. I want to send a big thank you to everyone who has helped making this year warm and bright; clients, friends and family. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The pandemic has made me (and I am not alone in this I guess) honor life and love even more. There have been some covid-related illustrations (like the first one on the upper left for @gbgfilmfestival ), but I managed to add some joy to that also. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When assembling this #artvsartist it became clear to me, again, that I love yellow. For me, yellow is warmth, happiness, hope, and energy. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I wish you all a bright yellow 2022! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Portrait of me by Nicke Johansson. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #illustration #illustrations #illustrator #artvsartist #illustrationartists #best_of_illustrations #happynewyear #illustratorsoninstagram #photoshopillustration #digitalillustration #digitalart #photoshop #truegrittexturesupply #digitaldrawing #editorialillustration #swedishillustrator #illustratorcentrum #associationofillustrators #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark https://www.instagram.com/feliciafortes/p/CYJPc0zMJS3/?utm_medium=tumblr

Franz Joseph Haydn wants you all to know that Nivalis barokk is giving a concert on 8:th of December at Sentralen in the Norwegian capital Oslo. In this concert, you can enjoy some of his trumpet and cello compositions. Illustration and design by yours truly. . . . #illustration #illustrations #illustrator #design #illustrationartists #designer #creative #graphicdesign #poster #illustratorsoninstagram #photoshopillustration #digitalillustration #photoshop #digitaldrawing #swedishillustrator #illustratorcentrum #associationofillustrators #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark (at Sentralen) https://www.instagram.com/feliciafortes/p/CXGZvphMzVr/?utm_medium=tumblr

I would love to introduce Maja Bjurman Holgersson to you all. She's an illustrator and, during this fall, my trainee. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When Maja first contacted me, I wasn't sure about the idea. Can my everyday solitary illustrator life be shared with someone else? What can I teach another illustrator that's not intertwined with my style, or hidden within my internal processes? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Well, now I can tell you it was an excellent idea Maja came up with. This has been so much fun and it's something I recommend to other illustrators. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Swipe to see some of Maja's illustrations. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. A pattern project, created as a way to speak about plastic pollution in the ocean 2. Editorial illustration for the student magazine Lundagård 3. Personal project 4. Personal project, inspired by recipes from 70's cookbooks. . . . #trainee #smallbusiness #learningillustration #happyandstrong #lyckligochstark #swedishillustrators #swedishcreative #creativedays #creativeinspiration #illustrator #creative (at Gothenburg) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVN4JbhMIBC/?utm_medium=tumblr