Q: Originally from [where?] what are some of your favorite things about living and working in [your current locale]?

A: I was born in Germany, in a small town in the south, and I am currently living and working in Toronto, Canada. Living in Toronto gives me the benefit to be close to New York but at the same time I can have a private working space here. My studio is located on the west side of the city, and it’s close to cafes and galleries, which is great for taking breaks.  

Q: Do you keep a sketchbook?

A: I have several sketchbooks. My favorite is a pocket sized one that I carry with me most of the time.  I also write down observations and notes in this sketchbook.

Q: What is the balance between art you create on paper [or other analog medium] versus in the computer?

A: I start out working on assignments using ink or pencil, then I scan in my sketch and add colour to it digitally. Although most of my work is digital, I enjoy taking a break by painting on large watercolour paper using acrylics or inks. It’s good to be reminded of the process that goes into a painting and the time it takes. My work on paper is more experimental and has less focus on concept.

Q: What is the most important item in your studio?

A: My cintiq, wacom tablet.

Q: How do you know when the art is finished?

A: I try different colour combinations and have at least two or three versions of an illustration. I give it some time and then decide on which one to go with.

Q: What was your favorite book as a child?

A; Where the wild things are (Maurice Sendak), Pippi Longstocking (Astrid Lindgren)

Q: What is the best book you’ve recently read?

A: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Curating, But Were Afraid to Ask by Hans Ulrich Obrist. The well known interviewer/curator becomes the subject. It highlights the beginnings of his career and his interdisciplinary approach to exhibition making. I liked reading about how he started out (in his kitchen), as everyone has a trial and error of their process. I like to be reminded to take chances.

Q: If you had to choose one medium to work in for an entire year, eliminating all others, what medium would you choose?

A: Acrylic, because of its consistency. Because I like to work in layers, acrylics would give me that freedom.

Q: What elements of daily life exert the most influence on your work practice?

A: Talking to people, hearing their perspective, observations and dancing.

Q: What was the [Thunderbolt] painting or drawing or film or otherwise that most affected your approach to art?

A: During my time in art school (OCAD University) I was introduced to the work of Seymour Chwast. I was influenced by his treatment of colour and the sophistication of his line of work. What stood out was his approach to having humour and to be conceptual at the same time.

Q: What was the strangest/most interesting assignment you've taken that has an important impact on your practice, and what changed through the process?

A: Creating animated gifs using collage and incorporating illustrated elements. The approach is experimental and the compositions take on a feeling of chance creations. This way simple shapes and cut outs can be animated to portray emotions in more abstract forms. It changed the way I see other mediums/environments such as video, dance and set design and incorporate these into my work.

Q: What would be your last supper?

A: Pizza, wine, espresso and tiramisu.

Franziska Barczyk is a freelance illustrator and gif maker based in Toronto Canada. Her work has been published in the New York Times, the Washington post, NPR, Buzzfeed and others. Franziska will be part of the ‘Illustrators 60’ uncommissioned show opening on Jan 5, 2018 at the Society of Illustrators in New York.
www.fitza.me
www.franziska.co
Instagram: @fitza_b
Twitter: @fitza11
Facebook: Franziska Barczyk
Upcoming: animated collage/illustration for a documentary film, Children’s book ‘Our President was called Barack’ (written by Laura Olin)