Growing up influenced by traditional German literature, designer and tattoo artist Teresa Schonherr speaks on her confidence in her own creative ability to produce authentic work, and her innate desire to take advantage of oversea opportunities this new year. Discovering an interest in graphic design through party posters and comics she created throughout her youth, Teresa later officially studied design in Eastern Leipzig. 2020 will be about breaking out of her comfort zone, exploring and expanding on new creative avenues, all whilst enjoying herself in a warm paradise.

How do you usually introduce yourself to those who don’t know you?
That depends on my counterpart. I usually choose an introduction, that makes me shine in the best light, you know :-) that could be „Hi, my Name ist Teresa, I am a designer.“ or „Hi, I am German.“ or „Hi, I do tattoos as well, check my insta“

Graphic design is quickly becoming a popular art form. How did you discover this medium? And how did you develop your skill in it?
I studied design in Leipzig, Germany. The town where I am living at the moment. I finished my diploma last year. This city is wonderful to live in, highly recommended - come visit… It is perfect to develop skills and take your time in professionalizing. It is not as vivid as Berlin, but it has a lot of space and possibilities. The rent is still cheap, so you don't have to hustle too much to make a living before you make your way into paid, creative work. Making quick posters for parties of friends and drawing comics was something I always did, even before deciding to study design. I grew into my role as a designer without pressure and unhealthy competition around me.

Your style of design is unique and exudes a striking tone throughout the spread, what inspires the mood of your works?
Thank you so much hehe. All right, I’ll tell you my trick: I start every project from the sketch. Trying not to allow myself to reuse a pattern, that might work out well. I have trust in my skills, so that, even when I feel lost in the process, I know, it will end up great. You can see that insane confidence in the output and that feels cozy, I guess.

Has the German lifestyle affected your work or creative process in major ways? Would you ever consider relocating to a different city or country in the future?
Hard to tell, because I am not really aware of „the German lifestyle“. I know it is considered as bureaucratic and reliable. I don't have the right point of view, to discuss my own Germaneness, cause I hardly leave my nest. I spent most of my time in my comfort zone, here in the Eastern district of Leipzig (We made a website about the east of Leipzig, check it out: www.leipzig-ost.biz) since the new year has just begun, I promised myself to do some traveling this year to see how it is outside this bubble I live in. I would absolutely consider leaving Leipzig for a good reason. Preferably a warm country. I am freezing my ass off half of the year, that cannot be it lol.

What kinds of art were you into/exposed to growing up?
Actually, I did not grow up in an artistic surrounding. When I was living with my grandparents, sick German children books like „Struwwelpeter“ made a big impact on me. You should check them out. They are very brutal and still very popular in Germany. Children, who are not well-behaving, are dying in terrible ways or get insured heavily. The child, who does not want to eat its soup is starving to death. The one, who does not want its nails to be cut, gets all its fingers cut up completely! I had a strange affection for these pictorial books and they definitely influenced my taste of entertainment in my younger years. Growing older, I started liking manga and slapstick comedy. As a teenager, I hung up HR Giger posters. I have not had any outstanding interests in the arts. I was a hyperactive child and more into sports, which is still an important compensation for my work balance. I also believe, that inspirational input from other fields other than arts and designs are more sustainable.

How long does it usually take to complete a piece?
I am a fast worker when I am thrilled. Mostly, the work I am working on, needs to overcome the point, where the leaning of the whole design is fixed. That final part is my favorite. After finishing the design, I lay it down for at least one day and then I rework it. But my designs are often opulent and complex, so reworking a little decision might cost another day.

What are your plans for 2020? Professionally or personally!
I am having problems imagining the future. I always let myself get dragged into situations and keep on doing my thing as well as possible. I just learned that adult life is full of liabilities that can easily eat up your time and without you even noticing, you are in the same little town for years, without feeling bad about it. One thing I wanna do is leave this comfort zone, and travel, as I already told you. As I also started tattooing, I got known to many artists around the globe. It is a usual thing to do guest spots in befriended tattoo studios in foreign towns and I want to use this possibility (check my account —- @sexschwein ). At the moment I feel an urge for sticky air and warm rain, maybe I should visit an Asian country in the rainy season. will see…