H_ _ _ _ _ _

Natalia Kammenou

The interactive book H_ _ _ _ _ _ invites the reader to take part in a guessing game of life and death in an alternative attempt to remind us of our mortality. Wrapped in a children’s book format, it plays with people’s expectations and mixes graphic imagery and horror with the playfulness of interactions and pop-ups. The reader has to solve the riddle to save themself and uncover the title of the book. All one needs to do is answer one question: Who am I?

Natalia Kammenou

I am a Greek student studying in Berlin. I have always loved drawing more than anything and it was one of the few activities, aside from playing video games, that didn't bore me and kept my interest. This is why I decided to follow the career path of an illustrator and attempt to make my passion my job. My favourite subject to draw is portraits of women's faces. I like executing illustrations with charcoal, acrylic and oil paints, although I'm still a beginner at the last two. I am also heavily interested in digital art and would like to learn more about it and its various techniques.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

I want to learn to paint better since I believe I'm quite tragic at it. In 20 years, I would love to live off just painting and drawing indepedently.

What was the most challenging experience during your studies?

The most challenging parts of my studies were probably the theoretical subjects, simply because I don't do good with texts and memorizing facts. However, when it came to the practical parts of my programme, it was extremely tough when I just couldn't understand what was expected of me. When I didn't know what exactly the concept was and just couldn't get any good ideas of what to draw.

Who or what inspires you?

I like to get a lot of inspiration and tips and tricks from other artists, especially by looking through social media. There are so many talented people out there and they unknowingly motivate me to work harder, learn new things and improve my skills.

Have you changed during your studies? How?

Certainly, my drawing skills have become significantly better, considering how I started studying without any prior experience in the world of art. But what I am more proud of is that now, I am way more open to trying out new things, different techniques and get inspired by other artists.

Why did you choose to study in your programme?

I started studying illustration because I believe it represented my interests and gave me creative freedom and the ability to improve my skills. I have never really wanted to do anything else, and to quote one of my former professors, “I was never really good at anything but drawing anyway.”

What are you not going to miss in your studies?

I think what I will certainly not miss is the anxiety and stress at the end of a semester. However, I am fully aware that this exists in the world outside of university as well.

How are you going to celebrate your graduation?

By playing Exploding Kittens and Bears vs Babies at home with my mates, with a drink or two and some nice BBQ tofu skewers.

Say hi!

4 comments in total

Marlene Schäfer 2021-02-13 10:33:50

Vol nice geworden. Dein Style ist so einzigartig und die Idee lässt mein Horror-Fan-Herz höher schlagen :) well done girl

2021-02-12 23:33:38

Love this unique project! beautiful execution.

Myriam 2021-02-12 19:34:10

This was extremely impressive. Watching your work in the video was honestly horrifying, and I am extremely glad I got to experience it, if not live at least in a video. Congratulations on this great project!

Sophie Eilers 2021-02-12 19:31:22

This is insane! I love your idea and your project so, so much. Seeing your idea from last year come to live is mind-blowing, honestly. The atmosphere, vibe, playfulness and your style make for an amazing experience, I love it! It looks so nitty-gritty and grim but at the same time really fun, and I think you did an amazing job.

Nikolas Joshua Klein