Discover the art of a Scandinavian Graphic Designer, Mikael Oskarsson.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Mikael, and I live in Gothenburg, Sweden. I work in graphic design and communication.
What type of art do you feel most connected to?
Strong shapes, bold lines, patterns, and vibrant colors!
How long have you been drawing or illustrating?
I never go on a trip without a pen and paper. They have been my pals since I could hold a pen.
What inspires you most to illustrate?
I have a great interest in equality and diversity. I love to incorporate that into my illustrations. Sometimes by checking off different attributes like sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation, and age. It’s inspiration while it keeps me on my toes.
Do you remember your first-ever illustration? What was it?
I believe I started to draw people, like most of us, with arms on the heads. Human figures have continued to be my biggest interest. The first illustration I was asked to draw was for an LGBTQ+ organization, and I remember them asking me to add a person in a wheelchair to the group of people and then make the person in the wheelchair stand out less.
Write the steps :)
When I was creating a lot of illustrations for a feminist organization, I had to develop tactics to create illustrations fast. That’s when I started with my straight lines. I think they leave more for the viewer to interpret. Only using straight lines demands exact breaking points, which can be quite expressive.
1. Come up with a general idea.
2. Draw with a pencil and let the details come to you.
3. Scan (take a photo) of your drawing.
4. Use the pen tool in illustrator.
5. Change the colors and shapes until you are satisfied.
6. Put in a context.
7. Make changes if needed.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I’d love to do many collaborations and get my gay-themed illustrations for everyone to see and reflect.
What three things would you tell others to get inspired to make art during Covid-19?
Just get started, and every obstacle will become smaller.
Not every illustration has to become a masterpiece.
Create a Pinterest board called “Makes me want to create“, which is not the same as “Everything I think is beautiful.”
Which tools do you use to illustrate? Which one do you use the most?
I draw both by hand and digitally on my iPad, computer, and with different pens. I love markers because you can’t erase; there is no turning back.
How can others find your work or connect with you?
Instagram: mikael.oskarsson
Web site: www.mikaeloskars.com
