INTERVIEW
Introducing Enikő Eged
A warm welcome to Enikő Eged, who joins the Grand Matter roster!
Hailing from Budapest, Hungary, Enikő is an illustrator, pattern designer and artist combining hand crafted and digital techniques to create spirited and emotive works. Enikő's creative journey towards illustration took shape via ceramics, studies in Hungarian literature and philosophy, then graphic design, which is reflected in her multi-diciplinary mindset. Whilst expressing her visual language in varied ways, her work is instantly recognisable through use of colour, recurring motifs & themes, along with an unmistakable sense of nostalgia.
A self confessed introvert (we can relate!), Enikő would describe herself as a homebody, taking pleasure in the small things. It's something we'd say also translates in the warmth and homliness of her work.
We spoke to Enikő to hear more about her journey so far as an illustrator, introducing her unique way of working and love for horses!
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After quite some time now I finally feel that I'm in the right place at the right time. I can do art for a living, and I have the freedom that I need in my everyday life.
– Eniko Eged
How would you describe your work in one sentence?
I love to depict a strong atmosphere of familiarity and the connections between emotions and memories with my figurative visual languages.
What are your main influences as an artist?
A recurring theme for me is horses. I love horses so much! I have horses at home, and I love cats, dogs, cattle, ducks and almost every kind of animal. I love how I can experiment with expressing my emotions with animal figurative characters.
When I started my university studies, my favourite design movements were Der Blaue Reiter group, Frida Kahlo, Ilona Keserű, and the visual world of Matisse. At the moment, I'm immersing myself in folk art topics. Besides graphics and illustrations, I also paint and create papercut collage and ceramics – I prefer to experiment with different techniques to explore new ways and methods of visual abstraction, and that's a nice challenge or refreshment in my everyday drawing practice.
Can you sum up your journey to where you are now as an artist?
After quite some time now I finally feel that I'm in the right place at the right time – I feel grateful for that. I started my illustration career without any expectations, I just have this need to draw almost everyday, and I said to myself, why should I keep my drawings to myself? And it ended up really cool, now I can do art for a living, and I have the freedom that I need in my everyday life. I am happy that I feel safe, and I have enough confidence to share my art with others, however I am still really shy, and sometimes surprised to see how many people like to choose my illustration to decorate their home, or make a tattoo from it!
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I like to imagine artworks in series, I insist on my coherent color palette and have recurring motifs and characters which are really useful if I imagine my art and illustrative portfolio from a design-oriented perspective.
– Eniko Eged
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Has your design background influenced how you approach your work?
I think yes – for example, I like to imagine artworks in series, I insist on my coherent color palette and I have some recurring motifs and characters which are really useful if I imagine my art and illustrative portfolio from a design oriented perspective.
At the same time, in my opinion it's really important not to close myself up with too strict boundaries, this is why I have different graphic languages (a comic-like one and a more abstract figurative one). I can't imagine staying with one language, because it depends on my mood which visual language I prefer.
What are your usual methods and mediums, from idea to finished piece?
The first step is usually to write my idea in my phone's notebook or calendar, because I'm afraid I will forget it (btw I literally write everything down on digital or paper based lists!). Then I create really rough sketches by hand showing the main composition etc., and if it's needed I use Pinterest for moodboarding. Then I start drawing in Procreate – sometimes I add extra colour layers or textures in Photoshop. If I have more time I love papercut collages, ink drawings and acrylic paint as well :)
I have sketchbooks with me all the time, especially when I travel somewhere and I know I will have more free time. I love pottery and glazing - and I already have a collection of hand painted ramen bowls - can't wait to show them :))
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And finally, who are your bucket list clients, projects, or dream collaborations?
One of my dream projects is creating wall or mural art with colourful animal or still life compositions :) I am also really into doing paper tapestry or printed fabric patterns. I'm looking forward to some animated projects as well, since I feel my abstract figurative characters would love moving, jumping and running so much!
In terms of bucket list clients or collaborations – I am too shy to think about staff like this, so I'd rather write some of my favourite brands here: Marimekko, MUJI, IKEA, Baggu, Penguin Books.
About Eniko Eged
Budapesti, Enikő Eged, is an illustrator, pattern designer and artist. Often taking inspiration from the animal world and folk tales, Enikő uses recurring themes and motifs and a distinctive colour palette. Clients include Lucy & Yak, VYF Scarfs and XX amongst many more.
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