Download - Maren Esdar Portfolio
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Maren’s striking and surrealist imagery leads us to a strange, dream-like dimension that finds its point of arrival and departure in reality. Her creations combine her signature technique that includes photography, collage and digital rendering. Maren captivates and inspires the fashion world with images that transform objects and accessories into narratives referencing nature, philosophy and literature. When her uniuqe form of ornamentation is blended in, even the most apocalyptic illustrations transpose the world into a glamorous effervessant place.
Her latest work explores the use of animation within elements of the illustration that bring the illustrations to life in the digital dimension.
Maren’s work has been published in many of the world’s top fashion and style magazines and brands including, Vogue, New York Times Magazine, Neiman Marcus, Surface and Esquire. Her illustrations have also been featured within various book projects including, Fashion Unfolding, Illusive Fashion and Illustration Next which was published by Thames & Hudson. Maren was educated as a stylist and illustrator in London and later, Hamburg, where she currently works and resides.
MAREN ESDAR
Did you always want to be an artist? Actually, YES! I have always loved to draw, tinker and dream up fabulous stories! Being a freelance artist is still the job of my dreams!
How has your artwork changed or developed over the years? At the beginning of my career I didn’t use computers at all, instead I made my collages using scissors and glue. Today I use the computer for practically everything – technology opened up a new perspective and endless possibilities for my creative process. The next step will be to venture into moving graphics and animation!
Tell us about your technique. I use traditional collage techniques, where each section is arranged and glued together, but I also use Photoshop where the materials are scanned and sampled to create my artwork.
Do you listen to music while you paint and if so, what music most sparks your creativity? Absolutely, though at times when I need to concentrate there are quite moments as well. Most of the time I love to work with inspiring, atmospheric music playing in the background – anything from classical, alternative to electro music plays in my studio!
Tell us one thing about you that nobody knows. I’m an enigma, even to myself!
If a Hollywood film were to be made about your l life, who would play the lead role? Definitely Cate Blanchett
When did you first fall in love?I remember the moment very well! I was about 5 years old and madly in love with ‘Winnetou’, the fictional Native American hero in several of Karl May’s novels. The French actor Pierre Brice in a film adaptation played the character. I lay on the floor of my living room crying when I finally realized that a relationship would never eventuate between the two of us!
What inspired you to become an illustrator? I was inspired by the beautiful design and illustrations within all of my childhood books.
Describe your work environment/studio. My Hamburg studio has a large working table in it. On the table you’ll find my IMac, books, piles and piles of magazines, a scanner, my super comfy couch and many of my collected treasures that continue to inspire me. It is located in a beautiful belle-époque building from 1907, with the most amazing view! When I am traveling, I take my ‘mobile office’ with me. This office space includes my IBook and a scanner that allows me to work from almost any place that you can think – as long as they offer a stable internet connection!
If you won $50 million in the lottery, how would you spend the money? I would spend the money raising funds for underpaid visionaries and idealists (anyone who wants to make this world a more joyful place!)
What is your idea of the perfect weekend? Actually, there’s no weekend if you’re a freelancer :-)
If you weren’t an illustrator, what alternate career path might you have taken? I always dreamt of being a movie star, just like the rest of the world!
If you could trade places with one person for a day, who would that person be? I’d love to trade places with Angelina Jolie! Only because I’d like to figure out where she gets all of her energy from (I also wouldn’t mind having Brad Pitt as a husband for a day…)
If you were mythical creature, what creature would you be? I would love to be one of the sirens – living in the Mediterranean Sea close to the Italian coast, relaxing all day long whilst listening to my own sweet voice watching the sailors pass by… What a life!
What is your greatest indulgence? Sweets, coffee…and compliments
What are you currently working on? I am currently working on a package design pitch for a tea company that is about to launch a new tea line in autumn.
What is the best project you ever worked on? That is very difficult to say as I have enjoyed so many of my projects. I would have to say however; the most exciting projects are always the ones that guarantee the most creative freedom.
What is your mantra in life? Think and feel good about yourself! We are responsible for our own happiness!
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135 East 15h Street New York, NY 10003
T: 212 734 0041 [email protected]
copyright notice: This book and all of its contents/images is copyright of Maren Esdar © 2017 All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited and punishable by law.
