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Karlotta Freier, a German-born illustrator now based in the United States, has collaborated with renowned brands and publications such as Hermès, The New Yorker, Coldplay, and Apple, among others. Her artwork usually includes nature and day-to-day moments infused with something magical or absurd. However, as the artist wrote: "None of that is on purpose."

Today, we have selected some of Karlotta's work to share with you, Pandas, but if you'd like to see more, make sure to visit her Instagram. As for the creative process, the artist commented, offering valuable insight into how she brings her ideas to life: "When working on a project with a client it’s easy to get lost in the idea of wanting to make something that they’ll like. I’ve learned that my work turns out best when I try to make something that I will like first."

More info: Instagram | karlottafreier.com

#1

A woman stands by a whimsical tree under a surreal sky with a fox nearby.

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In an interview with Bored Panda, Karlotta shared more about her background.

“I moved to the US in 2019 to get my MFA at the SVA in New York. 

I loved drawing since I can remember, so as a young grown-up, I tried to find a profession where I could build on that. I think what draws me to art is the process itself. I just really enjoy sitting somewhere drawing. Among people or alone, I am happiest when I draw. And I feel lucky that I built a life where I can do that so much.”

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    #2

    Whimsical and surreal illustration of people and animals relaxing in a vibrant garden with oversized flowers.

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    #3

    Whimsical and surreal illustration of a person riding an orange creature in a lush green forest.

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    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good to have the humans shown as a small part of Nature, for a change

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    Karlotta continued: “I didn’t know illustration existed for the longest time. I tried being a costume designer in a theater, then a tattoo artist, and then briefly studied graphic design. That same university offered illustration courses and those were the only thing I was interested in, so I switched majors. I am lucky that my parents never questioned any of that.”

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    #5

    Illustrated person battling wind in whimsical, surreal countryside near a small house.

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    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a typical day in the Hebrides but .... trees?

    The artist also shared more about how she comes up with ideas for her illustrations.

    “I like to spend a lot of time thinking about composition and color. I often ask myself: ‘Can I make an image more interesting by adding something in the foreground or background?’ I’m most excited about my work when I can discover something new and surprise myself, so that's what I strive for. Often I can discover something new because clients bring in ideas, references, and goals for themselves, and working with these new elements expands my horizon every time. I also noticed that my work is best when I do it with a lot of attention and kindness. Sometimes that is only possible when I take breaks, so those are an important part of my practice too.”

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    When asked about what the artist hopes for audiences to take away from her artwork, she responded: “When I love a drawing it makes me want to draw too, so I hope people feel inspired to pick up a pen and piece of paper and start drawing when they see my work.”

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    #11

    Whimsical surrealism in cityscape, giant figures in background, small person in red coat on street.

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    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How too many of us feel every day

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    #13

    Whimsical and surreal illustration of a pink building with lush green trees in the background.

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    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every tree deserves to have a bird in it

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    #16

    Whimsical and surreal illustration of a person dreaming, with flying fish and people soaring over buildings.

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    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dreams free us from the boring weight of reality

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    #18

    Illustration of a whimsical garden scene with lush plants and a woman in a suit sipping a drink, blending surrealism and everyday moments.

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    Andrew Keir
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    Sometimes it's not clear when you're at the very edge. "Most Rubicons are crossed unknown"

    #19

    Whimsical and surreal illustration of everyday moments with giant flowers and people gathered around a table.

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    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dierdre's pollen allergy was giving her strange visions

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    #20

    Whimsical surrealist illustration of a lively gathering with floating figures and vibrant elements.

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    Andrew Keir
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    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Celebrate lots of love today, in as many ways as you can

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    #21

    Whimsical surreal illustration of a character in orange pants amidst flowers and distant figures with horses.

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    Joanne Earle
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    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fun fact: Nowhere in the rhyme is Humpty Dumpty described as an egg.

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    #22

    Whimsical and surreal illustration of people enjoying various activities around labeled lakes in a lush, vibrant landscape.

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    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some countries have very small lakes ...

    #23

    Artists creating whimsical and surreal illustrations in a colorful studio setting.

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    #24

    Whimsical surreal illustration of a person sleeping inside a vibrant red flower with large eyes in the background.

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    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The eyes really creep me out.

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    #25

    Whimsical and surreal illustration of various anthropomorphic dogs in a place called "Dogtown."

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    #26

    Whimsical art depicts a giant hand touching the ground as a person runs by the ocean.

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    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're too old to go yourself, let the youngsters go!

    #27

    Whimsical surrealism illustration of a house and a person looking at a pool reflecting the sky in a forest setting.

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    Andrew Keir
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    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Epic name for a house - especially in the muddle of the forest

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    #28

    Whimsical surreal illustration of a bee flying above a mysterious box in a forest with lily pads.

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    #30

    Hand holding a whimsical and surreal illustration of a cube with a green top and yellow label.

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    #31

    Whimsical surreal illustration of floating people with the words "secret weapon" spaced around them.

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    #32

    Woman swimming with a surreal shark fin in the distance, surrounded by swimmers, illustrating whimsy and surrealism.

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    Susical
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    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is literally my worst nightmare.

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    #34

    Illustration of two people holding hands, with a surreal and whimsical touch in pastel colors.

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    #35

    A woman in a green jacket holding a yellow bird, with a shadow creating a surrealist effect on her face.

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