#8. Learn from illustrator Katja and her invitation to a pleasant life.
Last July Talent Grid was asked to find 8 designers or shop owners who wanted to open a pop-up store during the city festival ‘Gentse Feesten’ (15–23rd of July).
All 8 spots were eventually given to lovely and energetic women. They didn’t know each other at forehand and neither did I (set apart from Carmen, known from my first Medium article). Yet they managed to get the show on the road in only 4 days. Imagine! And if short on imaginative power: Just check out the pictures in the Facebook event.
I’m most at ease in moments of quiet ecstasy. Such times can really make me happy, stressless.
Because I’m always intrigued in getting to know the person behind the entrepreneurial image, I will be publishing a short interview every week. This week is Katja de Vries’ turn. She’s an illustrator with Harlem (Nl) roots and a love for life in a natural way. Someone to learn from, really!
She answered the 12 questions of these interview series and was also photographed by Michiel Devijver. “Thanks for sharing a piece of your talent, Michiel. Thanks for sharing a piece of yourself, Katja.”

12 answers as a guide to her portrait
#1. Who are you?
My name is Katja. But in context of my ‘company’ — which sounds weird for someone who makes everything by herself — I’m the Illustrationist. I draw, illustrate and weld all kinds of jewelry.
#2. Who did you want to become when you were little?
Nobody in particular. I wasn’t really minding about later. Every time I had to make a choice, it was pretty obvious at forehand what was about to happen. After high school I knew that I should ignore the path of going to university. I just had to choose an art academy and hope I got admitted. Which worked out fine. :-)
#3. When did you become who you are now?
I think it happened at the art academies. It’s where I learned creating and working in one stretch. That’s what made the Illustrationist into what it is now. I just keep on going. I don’t take big risks, but I seem to be rising at a natural pace. It’s seems the best way.
#4. What was the last tipping point in your life?
The moment I moved to Ghent. I’m originally from Harlem in the Netherlands. I started living by myself, much further from home than most people. Coming here was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done.
#5. What would you never want to become?
I’d dread getting bored or being unhappy with work I resent doing. I would probably lose my energy if I wouldn’t be able to work with my hands, designing and creating projects and pieces myself.
#6. What would you like to remove from other people’s lives?
That’s a difficult one to answer. I’m more of a ‘live and let live’ kind of person. I don’t think I’d want to change a lot in people’s lives. I don’t even know what they would add or remove themselves. But maybe there is something: I would ban out introverted interactions. People can learn so much from each other if they only open themselves up and dare to conserve.
#7. Why are you drawn to fixing that?
I’ve noticed that I can learn so much from the people around me and likewise. Helping each other, sounds like a plan!
#8. What used to be your motto?
It’s definitely: doing what I like to do.
#9. What’s it today?
It’s Tuesday. And I think I’m going to make a new drawing today.
#10. Who do you love, regardless that he or she doesn’t even know you?
I love loads and loads of artists. To many to start summing up. I can almost be certain they don’t know me, because most of them are already gone.
#11. What would you never let us know?
I don’t know. I have been thinking about this question for a while now… but I believe I don’t have any big secrets… appareantly.
#12. Do you prefer a state of quiescence or ecstasy?
Quiet ecstasy. Charming situations can really make me happy. I’ve realized I’m most at ease then, stressless. So I think these two are connected.
Thanks for reading. Talk to you next week!

