Artist Interview - Danii Pollenh (Pt.2)

Who is your favourite FLICK deck / artist, and why?
- Kirsti Fabiyi - definitely! Her designs are the perfect mix of graphic elements with organic texture!

Do you play video games? 🎮
- Unfortunately these days I don't have much time anymore to play video games but growing up in the 80's and 90´s I was literally obsessed about Solitaire and even the earliest version of SimCity. Later I especially loved everything where you have to solve riddles or games like Tekken, Zelda or even Tetris.

Naughty treat?
- Unfortunately I'm allergic to most food and can't have naughty treats anymore but loved literally everything vegetarian in the past. 🥦

Have you ever felt any challenges being a woman within this industry? 🚺

- There are definitely more professional working male illustrators in the industry still which kind of implies that women get paid less and are therefore not able to work professionally and stir enough time towards their career goals as they might have to work other jobs on the side to be able to make a living. Also the gender pay gap is very real in my opinion. As a woman I have to face the nasty truth that I and many other women will end up having problems financing our lives in older age. As the main caretaker of children or our elderly parents our retirement funds will definitely be much less as care work is not considered a job and is therefore not valued with an appropriate pay check.

When did you first start drawing, who inspired you and what made you carry on? 🎨

- Drawing was always a part of my life and I wanted to be a painter already as a child. During school I lost it a little bit but got back into it doing my A levels and studying Fashion Design. Initially I thought I would never be able to create a career out of it and had a lot of doubts but I have to admit that I didn't really want to do anything else and felt quite discouraged by other jobs I had in the past so there was no other way than just go for it and make it happen - even though I had no clue on how to do it. Luckily it worked out but well it´s definitely not an easy path to walk on.

Flats of heels? 👠
- Flats!

Your art captures the joy of our differences, and the beauty of diversity. Is this a subject you planned on expressing, through your style and art?
- Yes! Life can be really hard and difficult to process sometimes-  this is why I want to highlight moments of relaxation, confidence and calmness. Feeling yourself and knowing that you are enough and perfect the way you are. Finding the power within yourself, not ignoring the difficult times but acknowledging them and finding the strength to work your way through it. 

What is your favourite colour palette?
- I love bold and vibrant colours and combinations. Especially oranges and pinks!

Last meal on Earth? 🌍

- Anything breakfast related is always a good idea!

Words of advice to women inspired by your art and style, and wish to start their own journey in illustration.

- Even when all the odds are against you - never stop believing in yourself! 👸🏻