First Impressions - Ira Sluyterman Van Langeweyde

Discover how this German creative fell back in love with illustration…

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Where did you grow up and how has this influenced your art? 

I grew up in a little village near Bonn, Germany. I’m not quite sure how this has influenced my art. But there was a huge forest near my hometown where we used to regularly play as children. So maybe that’s one reason why I love to paint trees and nature-related objects. Furthermore, the first artist whose work I recognised was August Macke, who was born in Bonn.

What advice would you give to your younger self to aid you on the way? 

Keep doing your thing. Don’t stop drawing. Don’t be insecure. Don’t play so many computer games instead of drawing. Be patient, because everything needs time, understanding and a lot of practice.

Tell us about your first paid commission, and does it stand as a representation of your talent?