Olaf Hajek is one of the most renowned German artists and illustrators. His technically perfect illustrations depict enchanting scenes, patterns and characters inspired by ethnic traditions, fauna and flora dreams but also pop culture. The world's most famous brands and magazines want to work with him and his references include names like New York Times, New York Washington Post, Wallstreet Journal, or brands like Cacharel Paris, Hermés, Accessorize, Swatch, Diptyque or Meissen Porcelain.

Summer 2021

Interview Directory 

ART

Name: Olaf Hajek

Occupation: German-based illustrator, painter, artist, graphic designer, and author

olafhajek.com

What were your paths into art?

Already as a child I painted more than I played. During school I attended painting courses and learned a lot. I learned oil painting from the artist Renate Pietruck and experienced the feeling for structure. Then I studied graphic design at the Fachhochschule in Düsseldorf. It was very advertising-heavy, though, and I focused on illustration. My professor was Wolf Erbruch, renowned professor, whose book Vom kleinen Maulwurf is very well known. After my studies, I went to Amsterdam and developed my own style. I sent my drawings to magazines and quickly received commissions, so I was soon able to make a living from my art. I sent drawings to one of my favourite newspapers, the New Yorker, and immediately received an invitation to New York. The New Yorker invests a lot in illustration and I illustrated scenes there for the magazine in the theatre, among other things.

My fruits can be bitter my fruits can be sweet, Conection, Prestel Iris Copyright: Olaf Hajek

"For me, flowers are the symbol of life, transience and blossoming."

How do you describe your style?

For me, nature is a strong theme, but also politics, culture. For me, it's all about people. In the late 90s there was a turning point and a whole new aesthetic emerged, especially in magazines with a new style of illustration. I illustrated a lot for Weleda during that time. 

"Illustration is beauty with deeper meaning and often sells worse."

You have to understand that photography is easier for people because most of them don't have time for a second look. Illustration is beauty with deeper meaning and often sells worse. I have also noticed that images that are darker and not as clear sell worse.

You also do design collaborations. 

Yes - I have realised projects with Meissen and Ritzenhoff, among others. I have also illustrated books like the Book of Flowers, the Book of Vegetables and now the Book of Fruit. This is not a lucrative business for an illustrator; above all, it has to be fun and come from the heart.

What materials do you work with?

Today I work with aryl and wax crayon and always try to emphasise the structure, because the feel is very important to me,

What do flowers mean to you and which flower fascinates you?

For me, flowers are the symbol of life, transience and blossoming. I think the tulip. I first noticed it in Dutch still lifes when I lived in Holland for a long time as a child. It has enormous significance because it was also a means of payment in Dutch culture. It appears sometimes strong and sometimes delicate and it is still fascinating when it falls apart into individual petals.

You travel the world. Where would you like to paint?

I am inspired by many environments. I like to spend time in South Africa. Right now I'm sitting in a room overlooking the sea in Mallorca and enjoying the change of light. My next stop will be the Allgäu, where I will be an artist in residence.

"It's not just about beauty - that's not enough for me - but it's about finding common ground, it's about bringing individuals together and sending profound messages."

What was your most beautiful experience in your work?

I am happy that I can paint and show my work all over the world. I have developed a universal language with my art. It's not just about beauty - that's not enough for me - but it's about finding common ground, it's about bringing individuals together and sending profound messages.

Diptyque - Copyright: Olaf Hajek