1
Eiko
Ojala
––– Read On!
Based in Estonia and New Zealand, Eiko Ojala is one of today’s most exciting illustrators with a unique style.
Based in Estonia and New Zealand, Eiko Ojala is one of today’s most exciting illustrators with a unique style. The author of Taschen’s 5th volume of Illustration Now cover has worked regularly with The Guardian, The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler and others.
I know that you love nature and spend a lot of time hiking, sailing and trekking. What role does nature play in your illustration work?
It’s really important. To able to do great work I need to be empty of things and thoughts I don’t need. Then I have more room for ideas, inspiration and so on. Hiking, sailing and trekking are activities that lead me to places where I can unload these unnecessary thoughts and tensions.
You’ve also worked as a graphic designer. How does that influence what you do as an illustrator?
It has influenced my illustration work quite a bit. It has kept my work as simple and precise as possible. My work process is more about getting rid of things than rather adding them.
My work process is more about getting rid of things than rather adding them.
As a freelancer, how do you stay disciplined?
I think it’s really personal. There is no tool to stay disciplined. My motivation is not the deadline. It’s more like getting things done few days before the deadline so I would have a bit more time to make changes, add new ideas. This makes me happy.
You’ve put out a lot of personal projects. How do they come about? Do you have a concept in mind when you start creating?
I usually do. And these concepts come with so big energy that I have to pause all other projects. But I know these personal projects are seeds for some bigger projects or commercial projects.
When approached by a client, what kind of input do you need to do the best job you can?
It really depends on the project. But most important thing I like to find out is what kind of mood or feeling the client is after. Is it serious, ironic or just funny.
What do you wish you could teach yourself as a 20-year-old?
Learn how to dream. Then dreams come true.
Learn how to dream. Then dreams come true.