in ARTISTS
aNJA sLIBAR
“I hate everything that is not basic...I am a person of images not a person of words. One day I’ll leave Facebook
for Instagram, I swear!"
ANJA SLIBAR
Tell us a little about you and your work.
I think if I start with talking about my work I will also tell you something about myself. My work is mostly about how simple things should be in life! I hate everything that is not basic. That is why I mainly work only with black and white colors. I use the color red as a substitute for everything that should represent something extra! A cherry on top.
How do you think the use of Instagram has benefited your art practice?
I think the use of Instagram has benefited my work for sure! Can not lie about that! Firstly because I saw what can be possible! Secondly, because other people found me and my work! I am a person of images not a person of words. One day I’ll leave Facebook for Instagram, I swear!
What do you most enjoy depicting in your illustrations?
The subjects I really enjoy drawing are people! Especially the hair! I could get lost drawing hair! I could draw naked hot babes with long hair and leather jackets all day long!
Do you have a background in fashion design or the fashion industry?
No, I don’t. The only thing that I have in common with fashion designers is the color of my wardrobe.
Do you illustrate full time? Is it your only interest?
I started doing that recently. And I am planning to keep it like that. Before I worked as a graphic designer in an advertising agency which was kind of a wakeup call for me.
Could you talk a bit about the process of launching your illustration career?
I think it started when I was working as a graphic designer and realized how much style adapting that kind of work needs. There was no way I could include myself in the design. I started drawing just for myself again. What a relief that was, with no pressure of thinking if someone will like it or not. I was the only one judging!
Explain your typical work process.
It starts with watching a movie or seeing a photo or an object that catches my eye. If I find it intriguing I’ll look more into that and find as much photo references as possible. Use my own body too if I’ll need it. Then I make a series in my head. Because I always do a series of illustrations! Even if I don’t publish everything it helps me to tell a story. Then I do sketches and upgrade them with ink. Scan! And make them all pretty in photoshop! I listen to music during all of the processes. Sometimes I play with my cat too but I try to finish as much as possible before having a break.
What’s your medium of choice?
Black Ink! Love it yes.
Does environmental concern enter your work practice/has it altered it at all?
Unfortunately not. I love nature, especially mountains and snow. I also love animals (furry ones only tho). But I know people are more ignorant towards environment than any beauty of nature and I know there is nothing anyone can do about it. It is funny because I made a poster for a festival about climate change. And it definitely doesn’t carry a positive message.
Name your top influences:
This one is difficult! I guess studying graphic design left me with love for Saul Bass’s work. I often look at his designs. The second one I admire is the work of Cleon Peterson, I wish I knew him! I love his color palette and choice of motifs, what a surprise!
The third one I’d say is more general - I love movies, especially horror movies. I find a lot of inspiration in them!
Support Anja Slibar at www.anjaslibar.com
Instagram @anjaslibar