Inspired by Tokyo: Susan's new retro style

How did you come up with the idea of illustrating your trip to Japan?

Japan - the country, the culture, the food - has fascinated me for many years. A trip there was a long-held dream for me that is associated with many emotions. As an illustrator, I have the wonderful opportunity to implement these impressions and feelings in my own way and to capture them visually.

Which motifs particularly inspired you in Japan and why?

My husband and I deliberately avoided the typical sightseeing hotspots. Instead, I captured everyday, authentic moments, similar to a painted photograph, for example looking at a work of art in a museum. As in my other work, I like to take everyday situations and create an atmosphere in them. For me, every image is linked to a memory or emotion. This is often not obvious to the viewer, but they are free to think up their own story about it!

What is the appeal of travel illustrations for you, and how do you capture the essence of a place in your work?

Working on my Japan illustrations felt like I was experiencing the trip a second time - this time through the eyes of fictional protagonists who move in my memories. The essence of a place is very personal to me. For orders such as shopping or city maps, often of places that I have not visited myself, thorough research is crucial. This way, the mood of a place can still be authentically captured and portrayed.

You have developed a new style for these illustrations. How would you describe this style?

I would see it less as a new style, but more as a further development of my previous approach. For many years I have been creating aesthetic and atmospheric illustrations that show idealized figures. If you had to give this style a name, "Modern Retro" would probably be appropriate!

Your style stays true to the 1950s look, but appears particularly lively thanks to broken lines and the play with colored areas. What inspired you to create this combination of retro and modern?

I am very fascinated by the play with surfaces, colors, light and shadow. I am particularly inspired by artistic photographs such as the works of David LaChapelle or Eugenio Recuenco. The timeless atmosphere of the Studio Ghibli films also impresses me again and again. I also want to achieve this combination of retro and modern, of past and present, in my illustrations.

How do you approach the further development of your illustration style? What steps have you taken to define these new facets?

The development of my style is a continuous process that has now lasted for over 20 years. Curiosity and change are essential for me as a freelance illustrator. Over the last three years, through my artistic teaching work, I have worked intensively with analogue drawing and painting techniques and rediscovered my love of handicrafts. These experiences have flowed directly into my new illustrations.

What challenges did you face when developing this style?

The biggest challenge is always the making itself: every new tool or software takes time to master. In recent years, I have mainly worked with vector-based programs and experimented a lot. Now I have discovered a new tool that I want to play with and learn with again!

What do you want to convey to the viewers of your Japan illustrations, and what reactions do you hope for?

I hope that my illustrations are viewed with curiosity and joy - very different from ordinary holiday photos. I would especially like it if someone recognized one of the places depicted. And of course I hope for positive reactions, because after all, this is my job! Perhaps this will lead to new commissions, such as retro travel posters or illustrated travel guides.