Sebastian Iwohn

Based in Hamburg, Sebastian has an enviable client list including many global brands. He draws on a wide range of influences, from Mad Magazine to the Simpsons and from Saul Bass to Saul Steinberg.

Sebastian studied Communication Design and Illustration at the HAW Design University in Hamburg and worked in various graphic design studios before becoming a full-time illustrator.

Approach

Drawing is at the heart of everything Sebastian creates, even his vector imagery. After sketching on paper, he moves to his computer and works up the artwork using his Wacom Cintiq, Photoshop and Illustrator.

Styles

Humorous and engaging, Sebastian’s work often reduces visual ideas and concepts down to their simplest forms giving his clients a and clear and bold way of communicating with their customers.

Question: What drew you to illustration/design? Sebastian: I simply never stopped drawing. Question: Do you have any formal design training? Sebastian: Yes, I studied communication design and illustration. Question: Where do you live? Sebastian: In Hamburg, St. Pauli. Question: Can you describe your studio for me? Sebastian: Large table, open window, music playing. Question: What is your biggest inspiration? Sebastian: Riding my bike, people, music traveling and humor. Question: How do you get the best ideas? Sebastian: On my bike and while I work. Question: What technique do you use? Sebastian: Usually I sketch by hand in order to capture the idea faster. Afterwards I vary between the computer and drawing by hand. Question: Tell us about a favorite project you have recently completed. Sebastian: A stop-motion film where I drew with light for a company in Toronto. Question: What would be your dream job/Commission? Sebastian: Illustrations for a travel guide, being on the spot of course. Question: Who are your illustration heroes? Sebastian: Maurice Sendak, definitely Matt Groening, Saul Bass, Bill Watterson, Heinz Edelmann and many many more. Question: Do you keep a sketchbook? Sebastian: Yes, several at the same time. Question: What are your hobbies? Sebastian: I think, I am too young for hobbies. I like traveling, if that counts. Question: If you were not an illustrator, what would you be? Sebastian: I don´t know, but drawing would be my hobby. Question: Who would you like to meet? Sebastian: My caretaker, whom I am trying to reach for days now. Question: If you could travel back in time, where would you go to? Sebastian: Yesterday was a great day! Question: What kind of music do you listen to? Sebastian: A mixture between Electro, Hip Hop, Folk, Rock and Jazz. Definitely nothing from the radio. Question: What is the funniest thing you have ever done? Sebastian: I am embarrassed. Question: If you won the lottery, would you still work as illustrator? Sebastian: Even more so! Question: Do you collect anything? Sebastian: Ideas. Question: Do you have a favorite game? Sebastian: I don´t like boardgames too much, neither computer games. So rather gambling games.