Interview with Lasse Skarbövik

For our third interview here at illostribute, I’m happy to have wonderful Norwegian illustrator Lasse  Skarbövik. His work is highlighted by abstracted shapes, tight color palettes and has been recognized by 3×3 Magazine, American Illustration, Print Magazine, Images UK as well as several other international magazines of illustration and design. Working for notable clients like The New Yorker, BusinessWeek, Time Magazine, The New York Times and The Economist, Lasse also routinely exhibits paintings and has done several murals in Norway and Sweden.

Tell us something about your background and how this has influenced you as an illustrator?

I was born in Stavanger, on the west coast of Norway into a happy, middle-class family with one younger sister. My father worked as an art director and my mother designed collections of knitted clothes. I was not a talented child at drawing but liked pattern and abstract art and I have early memories of following my parents to exhibitions. I moved to Stockholm when I was 18 years old for art studies and I still live here but I have a studio in Norway where I work for two months every summer.

You Studied at the Berghs School of  Communication, what was your school experience like?

Berghs was a great school, a playground for art and design nerds.

What were your areas of concentration while in school?

Design and illustration.

When did you decide to pursue illustration as a career?

After Berghs, the teachers fixed a job for me (without informing me) as an illustrator in an illustration collective. It was like continuing school…more fun than serious work. I was more into graphic design and advertising when I finished school but I decided to try working as an illustrator for one year…now it’s been many years.

Did you feel prepared to enter the industry upon graduating?

I was filled self-confidence and ready for the industry after school…maybe more than I am now.

Describe your creative process. What tools do you use?

I do my sketches directly in the computer, where I play with the colors and design until I find a form or idea I think will work. Most of the process after sketching is about simplifying the image into the final product.

How long did it take you to develop this method?

It has developed through many years, it’s not anything I decided but I did decide some years ago that I would rely more on my intuition than listen to others when it comes to my images.

Do you have a favorite part of the image-making process? And if so, why?

No, it’s a love and hate process every time.

Do you keep a sketchbook? If so, do you draw from life or is it more of an escape with no set boundaries or concept?

I have several small sketchbooks and note papers. It’s not so much about drawing–it’s more about sketching shapes and ideas.

How do you find a balance between illustration work and painting?

It is no problem, the only difference is that I need some more space when I’m doing my paintings.

You belong to the Stockholm Illustration  Collective, when did you first join?

I started Stockholm Illustration ten years ago with six of my friends/colleagues.

How did this group come into being? What do you feel are the benefits of belonging to such a collective?

We wanted to create a place dedicated to illustration, a place where clients could easily find us. And for me as an illustrator the best part is the environment, the inspiration you get from other illustrators. And it’s so much easier to do promotion projects when you can split the costs!

What is a typical day like for you? Is there a specific time during the when you feel you do your best work?

It’s very much nine to five. I try to be (and I think I am) very focused when I’m working. I think it’s important to have self-discipline but don’t underestimate your free time…free time is the best medicine for creative ideas!

Do you keep a tidy studio?

Yes, I think so. I like to have it tidy around me but it’s just chaos in my computer.

Are you an early-morning riser or do you stay up late?

I’m a stay-up-late person but I work best early in the morning.

Your style reminds me of the early American modernist painter Stuart Davis, are you familiar with his work?

No, I hadn’t heard about him…but I Googled his name and I can see there are some similarities.

Do you have a favorite artist or illustrator? How have they specifically influenced your work?

I can’t tell, there are so many talented artists. I have a new favorite every week!

You mention on your website that you spend your summers in the Norwegian archipelago, what is the attraction for you?

The grand unspoiled nature…the ultimate design!

What are you interested in outside of illustration? Do these interests inform you work in any specific way?

I’m very interested in architecture and furniture design, and I think maybe those have been a big influence for me.

Do you listen to music when you work? What’s your favorite genre? What are you listening to now?

I like any kind of music, but mostly I listen to science programs in my headphones.

What is your impression of the illustration industry today?

I think the quality is better than ever, but there are less jobs now than years ago, so it is harder for “new” illustrators.

The lines that once separated graphic design, illustration and fine art continue to disappear. What is your opinion concerning this (relatively) current development?

I really hope they will disappear, it’s a problem for me because I’m between illustration and art. The galleries are skeptical since I’m working with advertising and illustration clients are confused since I’m also doing exhibitions.

Thank you for taking the time to do this interview and participating in illostribute. I appreciate your contribution and support so very much, as well as the inspiration your work provides!

All images © Lasse Skarbövik. To see more of Lasse’s work, please visit www.lasseskarbovik.com or go to www.stockholmillustration.com.

Toby Thane Neighbors for illostribute.com