3 questions: stefan joch

Q: Did you have any recurring nightmares or dreams as a kid?

A: There was this Japanese TV production called “Niklaas, ein Junge aus Flandern.” Niklaas was a young boy who wanted to be like Rembrandt. He drew all the time + I think one of my dreams was to become a boy like Niklaas. Think he really inspired me to draw. I had another dreams of becoming a superhero. I love Batman as he has no superpowers, only his detective skills and athletics.

As I grew up in the countryside, I was playing a lot in the forest. We played football until it became dark. An owl was a real nightmare for a few years. Now I love them + draw them.

Q: Your work always feels steeped in culture but never makes any direct references to it, how do you pull that off?

A: I can’t even explain what culture is. Not at all. I think the only answer I can give is that I’m trying to pull out my brain when I draw. That’s the way it works for me. Sure, you can’t pull it off when you are working for clients but most of my self initiated projects are done without thinking. There is one idea at the beginning of linework but that idea expands to a result I had never expected for the finished piece.

Q: How have your close relationships with other artists (Zwupp!, Jardin de Ninos) influenced you?

A: I ripped off a few artists in the early days + had much problems with them. I wanted to draw the whole day, experience and push myself with others’ style. But I came too close to other illustrators. That wasn’t really okay. I had a long talk with Jeffrey Bowman who opened my eyes. He is a really thoughtful boy + awesome illustrator. Thanks to him + his patience. Then, I went to university + met a boy who drew nearly the same as I did. We did a few collabs + had some exhibitions together. The boy I am talking about is Andreas Putz – I call him Halil. Jardin de Ninos were born. Boys who draw childish stuff.

Last year, we founded Zwupp! a collective of four dudes who are offering illustration, motion and print stuff. All of them were studying the same course as me + hell yeah, I love the collective. We are thinking the same, we are extremely stupid, we are like brothers, pushing ourselves all of the time – we are like a family. And the best thing about working 14 hours a day? We do have fun doing what we do, whatever we do.

Check out some of Stefan’s work after the jump!

Every Wednesday we sit down (briefly) with a talented artist + ask them 3 questions.

If you’re an artist + you’d like to be grilled, email me at questions@hardfeelingsblog.com