Katharina Madesta

Katharina (formerly Drees) studied design at the FH in Münster and then graduated from the HAW in Hamburg. She worked in an animation studio as a character designer and illustrates for various publishers in a variety of digital styles. Her cute, rather striking figures are just as popular as her dreamy, picturesque scenes.

Katharina Madesta, Leipzig (GER); languages: German, English

Question: How did it come about that you wanted to become an illustrator? Katharina: First wax crayons, then watercolors and later the ballpoint pen. So I painted all around me. Not always to the delight of those around me ;) Question: Did you have a training as an illustrator? Katharina: I completed my basic design studies at the University of Applied Sciences in Münster. After that I worked for a year as a character designer at an animation studio in Hamburg. I received my diploma in illustration from the University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg. Question: Where do you live? Katharina: In Berlin Alt-Treptow, exactly in the canal triangle between Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Neukölln. Question: Please describe your studio/workroom? Katharina: My workroom is located in a beautiful old building in Berlin, with a large window front to the balcony, tiled stove, two large desks, a sofa and a large dog basket. Question: What inspires you the most? Katharina: My daughter, our dog, people, the city, nature, books, movies and of course the internet. Question: How do you come up with the best ideas? Katharina: While doodling around. Question: What technology do you use? Katharina: Mostly digital. On the Cintiq in Photoshop, or with various programs on the iPad. But I also like to work with watercolors, pencil or copics. Question: What was the greatest project you've worked on lately? Katharina: A children's book about pancakes ... I ate pancakes a lot during that time. Question: What job/campaign/illustration have you always wanted to do? Katharina: Big charts for exhibitions or campaigns. Question: Who are your illustration role models? Katharina: Uwe Heidschötter, Juliette Oberndorfer, Marija Tiurina and many more! Question: Do you have a sketchbook? Katharina: Yes, in the iPad :) Question: What are your hobbies? Katharina: Yoga, jogging, dogs, reading and camping. Question: If you hadn't become an illustrator, what would you be? Katharina: I have never thought about it ... Question: If you could travel back in time, to which time would you go back? Katharina: To the 70's to experience all the fashion sins, like platform shoes. Question: Would you continue to work as an illustrator even after winning the lottery? Katharina: Absolutely and I would realize my own projects more often. Question: Do you collect anything? Katharina: Jackets and leggings Question: Do you have a favorite game? Katharina: Frescobol + Blokus