Visual artist Brian Elstak: ‘I get the best ideas in the shower’

‘Your friendly neighbourhood artist. Armed only with a pencil as sharp as his wits’: that’s Brian Elstak in his own words. This eclectic creative is not one to be boxed. He’s an illustrator, writer of children’s books, painter, visual artist… So naturally, as a jury member, he didn’t fit in just one category either. ‘Design: Graphic, Editorial, Illustration (Craft), Typography (Craft)’ seemed more suitable. Let’s get to know this slashie a bit better.

What's one project you're most proud of? Why?

‘My children’s books: TORI, TROBI and the upcoming third one in the saga (through Das Mag). My three children are the lead characters in them. The project is my love letter to their creativity through my own.’

What's the most interesting trend in your professional field for the next decade?

‘Seeing which organisations stepped up when it came to inclusivity and who was all talk.’

What do you do to get into your creative zone?

‘Shower. The place where I get the best ideas. The water seems to always enhance my creative flow. Magic.’

Name one skill that you find most underestimated in your particular field?

‘Nina Simone once said that in her opinion, a true artist’s duty is to reflect the times. I sometimes get the feeling that people underestimate their platform. When you have all those eyeballs watching and ears listening... What is the story that you’re about to tell? Will it help? Is it truthful? Is it needed? Long story short. The skill I find most underestimated, is that of storytelling.’

What do you think defines the Dutch creative community?

‘The community itself. With all its rich history, stories and diversity.’

Who do you define as a (creative) visionary?

‘There are so so many. But if I can only name one. Lemme shout out Farida Sedoc.’

Find out more about Brian and his work here.