Artist of the month: ’Annika Weidner’

Hello Annika Weidner and welcome to Dark Folk Nation! I am really glad to feature you on our blog since I am a big fan of your artwork. Firstly would you like to introduce yourself – tell us a bit of who you are, where you come from and what do you do in the field of arts?

Hi there, thank you so much for having me! My Name is Annika Weidner, I was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany and still living here. I work as a full Independent/ freelance Artist in digital Illustrator (@pitchblack.Illustration)

What is your art background? Did you go to any schools or just learned all techniques by yourself?

I have been drawing since I was little and today I am a self-taught artist. I never visited an art-school. In my education I actually come from a digital background with two qualifications. 

One as assistant of screen design and the other as Media Designer. After finishing the apprenticeship I worked in an advertising agency. But I came to the point where I realized it was nothing for me. So I made the decision to become an independent artist. And it was the best I ever made! 

When it comes to your art what inspires you most?

There are actually many things that influences in my work. Sometimes it is music I listen to other times I get inspired when I take a walk though the woods or places I traveled. Also ancient rituals and myths are a big inspiration. So history is a big deal. I also have a lot of books about myths and sagas. 

How is your artwork born? By using a specific pattern or by trying things out?

I don’t really have a specific pattern. Sometimes I make sketches but other times I just start to draw and sometimes I research for hours to make the idea I have complete. It just depends on how complex the idea is. The good thing is working digitally on a tablet, I can take my work everywhere with me.

Do you do commissions?

Yes absolutely! I take commissions for any kind of illustrations from merch, logo, to album art or flyer. If you have an idea just write me via DM on my Instagram account (@pitchblack.Illustration) or write me a mail at pitchblackillustration@gmail.com. I also sell licenses for artworks who where already made, just take a look in my Instagram gallery.

Is there some technique or so you haven’t tried yet but would like to?

I would really like to try Linocut printing!

What is coming next for you as an artist?

Many new Illustrations and Projects. And I will open my first Etsy shop where you can buy prints etc of my illustrations. I am very excited about that!  All new infos will be communicated via my Instagram.

Any wisdoms you’d like to share with the world?

Never give up is definitely an important one! Because I need to say this to my self still too. Especially in hard situations. And don’t let anybody tell you what you need to do or who others want you to be. You know best what is right and what is wrong for you. Also be good to people and nature.