Sex Troubles Me - A Reflective Diary Zine

Emily Kammüller

SEX TROUBLES ME is a diary-style zine made by Emily Kammüller dealing with the complex intricacies of sexuality, agency and the fear of being yourself. Directed mainly at women and gender-nonconforming people, the project explores various complex experiences around sex, gender, heterosexist influences, trauma, and the struggles that come with trying to be your true sexual self in a prude and opressive society.
The illustrations, accompanied by loose texts, are inspired by interviews with a diverse range of people and are meant to help viewers think and reflect on their own personal lives and struggles around sexuality. Rather than giving a solution to being the perfect sexual being, the zine wants to give room to reflect on the internal conflicts we may face.

Emily Kammüller

Emily (or SoMuchMia) is a Berlin-based Illustrator and general creative. You can find her outside on walks with her dog, or at home surrounded by stuffed animals, videogames and a lot of teacups. From digital drawing to plush sewing, she always finds new ways to explore her current interests. Her favorite types of work are fashion illustration, character design and editorial illustration, but Emily also shows a keen interest in media-theory and queerfeminist activism.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

Happy and creating, while still growing and learning as a person.

What is a good design for you?

Being able to convey your message succinctly, directly and effectively. In the simplest design you see the most skill, in my opinion.

What was the most challenging experience during your studies?

Struggling with Imposter Syndrome was probably my biggest challenge throughout the years. I think I have gotten a bit better at dealing with it, hopefully!

Who or what inspires you?

Seeing other diverse artists perservering and reinventing themselves gives me energy!

How do you approach a new project?

I just try and get started, trying to find the points that interest me most and building up from there.

What advice would you give to students who just started studying in your programme?

You are here to improve. Don't compare yourself to those who are further in their studies than you, your work will grow and you will be okay.

Have you changed during your studies? How?

I have definitely come more out of my comfort zone and tried new things. I developed a new drive to create things from my unique viewpoint.

Why did you choose to study in your programme?

I always felt like drawing and theory were the only things that interested me, and I wanted to develop those skills. Communication through illustration is vastly underrated!

What are you not going to miss in your studies?

Waking up early.

How are you going to celebrate your graduation?

Treating myself to some tea and artbooks!

Say hi!

Lea Mayerhofer