The timeless artist: Adam Johannesson Instagram: the laundry modelling Takashi Murakami

If you could describe yourself as an artist in 3 words, what would they be?

Timeless, ambitious, passionate.

What are some of the major influences on your work?

I pull inspiration from all kinds of places. I love to look back to the past for inspiration, whether that’s poster artists of the 1960’s such as Robert Mcginnis or 20th century illustrators such as René Gruau and Gil Elvgren. Photographers such as Irving Penn, Richard Avedon and Helmut Newton also inspire me. Anyone who likes to experiment, play with bright colour and occasionally a flair for the dramatic — will have some kind of impact on me.

Has your style always been the same or has it changed over the years?

When I was studying at university I was always on the hunt to find an aesthetic that I’d feel satisfied with, and experimented a lot. When I started to really pay attention to my influences and unite the world of fashion and drag, things took off.

That being said, it continues to change. I am terribly indecisive, get bored easily and am constantly trying new things. Therefore, my work will always change. Right now it’s happening very slowly, but if you look at what I was doing five years ago to today, things have developed. It just happens at such a slow pace it can be hard to notice. I imagine that in the years to come my approach to working will continue to change — who knows what I’ll be doing in five more years.

Do you think social networks, Instagram in particular, helped you to showcase your work and to connect with other artists?

Absolutely. It’s all I use it for, truthfully. My goal with instagram was always to build a platform to share my work and build a following, but I had no idea what a community I’d find on there. This includes the artists I admire, whether that’s other illustrators or drag queens or whoever really. But also developing a strong bond with people who like my work. I am lucky that a lot of the people I admire have come to be fans of my work too. That mutual respect builds a strong sense of community and without a doubt is my favourite thing about Instagram. I enjoy social media as a place to find inspiration and curate that — choosing who I follow and want to see.

It’s a great tool for creatives, no doubt.

You were asked to create animations and illustrations to promote Violet Chachki’s single and short movie “A lot more me” and to make an animated poster for their benefit show “Digital Follies”. Recently, you also designed the packaging of the limited edition glamour lip kit by Miss Fame Beauty. How do you approach such a big but also inspiring assignments?

It’s a process that is more fun than challenging. Violet Chachki and Miss Fame are two artists I’ve been following and admiring since I began doing this, they’ve always been two people I respect and have spent the last few years building a creative relationship with them. In working with them over the last few years, I have built up an understanding of what they are all about. With that in mind, when they approach me to work on a project, I feel like I already have a good understanding of what they’ll want. On top of that, they both have their own vision and know what they want — which makes it really easy to meet them in the middle and realise that vision for them. That being said, I make sure to spend a good amount of time in the beginning to discuss what they want so I have a strong idea of what they need, and we take it from there.

What’s the professional achievement you are most proud of so far?

Without a doubt, Violet’s logo. This was the first job I did for them back in 2016, and to see how it has evolved over time is the best. It was originally an enamel pin sold at Rupaul’s Dragcon, but has since been used on t-shirts, as well as Violet’s Youtube identity. The coolest iteration was seeing it used on stage behind Violet as a backdrop for her Werq The World shows in 2018. Being a fan of drag and going to see these shows, to see the logo I designed, 10ft tall for all to see all over the world — I cannot explain that feeling. That was definitely a moment where I had to pinch myself and say, this is really happening. It would be worth noting that the packaging I did for Miss Fame Beauty, which just came out, is another milestone.

To have my work on packaging for a product sold all over the world is surreal.

What would be your next dream job as an illustrator and graphic designer?

I am currently focusing on something completely different. While I love what I do and plan on building that career as far as I can, I want to move to London and work in a studio with other designers. This is an experience I have always wanted to live out. But don’t think that means no more drag illustration.

I will never get tired of these artists I admire and I would be a fool to not continue exploring the direction I am currently taking with my work — it never gets boring, it’s always interesting and fun.

If you could create an animated short film, what would the title be and in which era would it be set?

“Mad Women”, set in the 1960’s. I am obsessed with the 60’s, ‘Mad Men’ being one of my favourite TV series. I’d want to create a film that flipped it and focused more on the women in the series as they were all strong, complicated and colourful characters. I think the graphic, punchy styles of the era would make for a beautiful animation — and of course the fashion would be incredible.

If you could describe your style of illustration with just one quote from a great personality from the present or the past, which one would it be?

I thought about this question for a few days and there isn’t one. I don’t really like quotes, I’d worry that I would end up restricting myself if I held onto one so strongly. My style is always changing — so I think it’s better that I don’t tie myself to words.

If you weren’t an illustrator and graphic designer what would you have liked to be?

When I was at school, I didn’t have enough confidence in my skills and didn’t think it would be possible for me to have a career in the creative industries. For that reason I wanted to follow another passion of mine and go into a career in science. I considered psychology or astrophysics but in the end I went for it and decided to follow my main passion. If not what I do now, I’d love to work in fashion.