WOBBY.CLUB’s WHO & WHY: an Interview with Illustrator Nick Liefhebber

Where do we know you from or how should we know you?

You’ll definitely know me from my psychedelic inspired illustrations for Wobby, the project(s) I’m most proud of. You could also know me as the graphic designer accidentally turned illustrator making images built from cut paper shapes. I also do a lot of festivals and branding campaigns which you might have seen in the streets like Le Guess Who?, Imagine Film Festival, Grasnapolsky. I’ll answer these questions as illustration Nick, not designer Nick.

Which project are you currently working on?

I’m working on a broad range of projects at the moment. A few of them are: the campaign for Grasnapolsky festival, a great festival focussing on exploring and discovery of both new music and the history of its location. This year held in factory De Toekomst which means the future, an old hay cardboard factory. I’m also working on a print for a Hawaiian shirt company, packaging for a Korean/American beauty brand, Wildebras festival, and a record sleeve.

What’s your specialty?

Creating detailed, heavy patterned colourful illustrations. I create a lot of self-initiated work which are often screen prints and try to find commercial projects fitting in with my own style. Most of my images are collages from paper cut shapes which I often arrange in Illustrator. I developed this way of working when I started experimenting with screen- and riso-printing. I really like symbols and I found out cutting shapes from paper works really well since you limit yourself. With these symbols I try to tell abstract stories, it doesn’t have to be clear.

Who were your former and present idols?

I’m not really an idolizing person so I can make one up or just try to avoid answering this question. Creating work inspired by my fascinations always gives me energy. I like to go to exhibitions in slightly different art fields than my own and look for connections and new input. I like artists investigating ways of making stuff, people who don’t focus on a medium but try to create in whatever way suitable. Inspiration can be so much, seeing movies, take walks, go to exhibitions. Have input makes your mind work and process things.

Where do you live and why should we visit it?

I live and work in Utrecht the Netherlands and you don’t have to visit. If you’re around there are some nice places though. Like print studio Kapitaal where I also have my studio, they organise talks, exhibitions and workshops. There are also loads of touristic attractions which you can find on the website of Lonely Planet.

What’s your favorite animal and why?

Eeehhh… I have two cats? They’re friendly.

Where do you like to drink your favourite drink?

I definitely don’t have a stamkroeg but I like to have a beer after work here at Kapitaal. I prefer drinks with nice people instead of nice places.

What time do you get up?

Usually around 07:30, sometimes roughly between 06:45 and 08:30. There are days I wake up around 07:10 by accident and if I don’t want to wake up I push it to 08:15, 09:00 or even 11:00.

Who should we keep an eye on?

You probably know better than me!

www.liefhebber.biz

Get the Wobby issue with work by Nick Liefhebber

Nick’s Work in print studio Kapitaal, Utrecht