SPECIAL FEATURE

Cute, fluffy and irresistible! Animals are an unparalleled inspiration that can define our very best creations. Just ask the incredible Charlotte Nicolin of Art for a Reason

Wild inspiration talks by Charlotte Nicolin of Art for a Reason

Briefly explain your designs and brand.

Animals and nature have always been a passion for me since I was a child. By creating detailed animal portraits and giving them individual expressions, I want to spread more empathy for animals. Most people that live in cities tend to lose some of their connection to nature. I have therefore developed a brand with interior decoration and gift items decorated with my designs to try and re-establish our bond.

What is it about animals that inspires you? Animals are fascinating in so many different ways and we have a lot to learn from them. We live in our human societies and tend to forget our own natural instincts. Living in artificially created surroundings we do not spend as much time in nature as we actually need. By paying attention to animals, decorating with them and having them around we can live a little closer to nature.

What materials do you use for your art and how challenging/easy is it to work with?

My preferred media at this point is graphite drawing. Somewhere in the motif I add a little colour, using pastel, coloured pencils, water colour or airbrush. This way I have a black and white drawing with a special twist. I love it. I always use top quality materials and acid free art paper for longevity. It is also easier to work with and the result gets so much better. I spend 1-3 months on each drawing putting in a lot of detail. Researching before starting the first sketches is important to create the effects I am looking for. My biggest challenge is finding time for everything.

What is the biggest trend in design for 2020? I think that the trend is to produce high quality products that last and can change hands. The "wear and tear" mentality is loosing ground. We are moving away from artificial materials such as plastic and taking better care of the environment with sustainable productions.

What are your future plans in relation to your inspiring work ?

I like to see individuality everywhere. I want to develop my work towards more animals, threatened animals but also vegetation, plants and flowers. I want to produce more art, more products and more books with my themes showing nature and animals in a way that is inspiring, positive and decorative. I am also looking for more collaborations with environmental organizations and companies for sustainable development in the world.

What is design to you ?

Making every day objects that are easy to use, beautiful to look at, good quality and inspiring.

*The Team met her at the Ambiente Fair, Germany