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WILDCARD
Tessa Bähnke
Are all trading card games one and the same? Or is it possible to redefine the genre to the point where you would not believe that multiple games lead back to the same original thought?
Tessa Bähnke's artbook WILDCARD presents 4 different concepts of digital trading card games on a visual level. Its consistent layout creates a direct comparison between them, demonstrating the potential of mixing classic genres with other sub-genres – and just how versatile the execution of one basic concept can be.
Tessa Bähnke
I draw for life and for a living! Feel free to reach out to me if you're looking for an illustrator.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
In the mirror.
What is a good design for you?
A purposeful design. "Form follows function" doesn't cut it anymore. Design can be applied to anything we experience and interact with - sometimes the purpose of it isn't entirely functional on purpose, haha.
What was the most challenging experience during your studies?
Setting priorities. I always want to try, learn and do everything at once, but we only have so much time and space available on our schedules. I balanced a part-time job and multiple freelance assignments on top of my studies and kind of had no life for 3 years, but it was worth it! Right?
Who or what inspires you?
The world.
How do you approach a new project?
I brainstorm what I want to show, tell and accomplish for myself, then I start planning ahead to make sure I have enough time to work on everything I want to create. Talking about my projects with friends from all across the world inspires me further. After that I let my motivation take me along the various aspects of my project until it is completed!
What advice would you give to students who just started studying in your programme?
Make friends and inspire each other to experiment, sketch and draw as much as possible. Learn from each other. Pay attention to the fundamentals - those are the classes that taught me the most.
Have you changed during your studies? How?
I learned a lot about my own limits and how to reject offers when I already had more than enough to work on.
Why did you choose to study in your programme?
Shortly before enrolling, I got a job offer as an illustrator at an advertisement agency. As finding work as an artist didn't seem to be as much of an issue as what people tend to believe, I figured I could learn more about art from professionals to improve faster.
What are you not going to miss in your studies?
Nothing – I'll miss everything... and most importantly, everyone.
How are you going to celebrate your graduation?
By taking some time off and being spontaneous in the moment :D
2 comments in total
Deine Arbeiten haben immer deinen einzigartigen Stil :0 Deine Professionalität spiegelt sich einfach IMMER in deinen Bildern wieder und ich bin mir sicher, dass ich noch Einiges von dir in der Zukunft sehen werde <3 Keep it up, it's absolutely stunning!
Gosh, I LOVE the outcome of your project! I love the way you design characters and landscapes and I'm so grateful to have been able to study together with you. You might have joined our Illu-crew later but easily made it to a very beloved and highly valued member. Keep up your great work!