Biography

Name: Annika

Age: 24

Location: Southampton UK

Nationality: British/Swedish

I studied Fine Art at the Arts Institute at Bournemouth, giving me the advantage of exploring a diversity of media and techniques such as sculpture, textiles, photography, and painting. I completed a National Diploma and went on to a Bachelor Degree. This gave me the opportunity to study art theory such as post-modernism, feminism, and symbolism. It also meant that I could develop my drawing with life models. Half way through my degree however I realised that Fine Art wasn't the right path for me. I took some time out to concentrate on my personal goals and development as an artist. My biggest inspiration comes from nature, spirituality, folklore and mythology. I love the illustrative work of Arthur Rackham, Karl Larsson and John Bauer. I realised of course that Illustration was the right career for me.

I am now studying BA (Hons) Illustration at Southampton Solent University. Some current artists that I find inspiring are Jessica Galbreth, Nene Thomas, Selina Fenech, and Marc Potts. I am also a big fan of Pre-Raphaelite and Art Nouveau. I like to work in a variety of media including oil paints, acrylics, water colours and photoshop. I also love studying the beliefs and symbolism of the past, illustrating the sagas and stories that I know well. I am excited about entering Illustration as a profession and believe that beautiful art should be a part of every day life for everyone.

Annika x