Daniel Coulmann is a graphic designer and illustrator from Hamburg. While creating his work mostly digitally, he finds inspiration in the analog world and its styles and techniques. Clean digital shapes in vivid colors combined with handmade textures and vintage elements give his art a crafted character with a touch of imperfection.
ANY PERSON WHO REALLY HELPED YOU IN YOUR AWESOME ARTISTIC JOURNEY?
I had two fantastic art teachers in both primary school and secondary school who focused more on creative freedom and free development and less on curricula. Unlike in many other subjects, I felt very comfortable there.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DRAW AS A CHILD? WHY DID THAT LODGE IN YOUR HEAD?
I drew the characters from my favorite comics (Donald Duck, Tintin, Lucky Luke, Asterix.…). A portrait of Donald Duck was my first commission from a classmate at primary school. That's how I earned my first pennies.
ANY ACTIVITIES, EXERCISES OR STRATEGIES TO PULL YOURSELF OUT OF THE OCCASIONAL ARTISTIC RUT?
Fresh air and the peace and quiet of the forest. Fortunately, there's a lot of it right where I live.
HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF A BIG PROJECT?
I see all the things I could have done better and start something new. The journey is the goal.
HOW DOES CREATIVITY RUN IN YOUR FAMILY, EVEN IF IT’S NOT DESIGN-RELATED?
We were always building, crafting, drawing, painting or making music. I am the middle of three siblings, and all three of us now work in creative professions.
