24 Aug Interview With Designer and Illustrator Manddy Wyckens

Today’s interview features talented creative Manddy Wyckens.

Manddy Wyckens is a freelance Designer and an Art Director. She specialises in both background painting and character design. Also, she occasionally directs short-films and music videos.

Manddy has built up an impressive following on Instagram, a platform where she regularly shares her stunning illustrations and animations.

Her distinct style of work is what drew me to follow her on both Instagram and on Behance. I reached out to Manddy to find out more about her work and to see what she is currently working on.

Before we get into this article I highly recommend you go and check out the latest volume of 99 Percent Lifestyle magazine. 

This print magazine is packed full of priceless advice and information from the worlds best creatives and entrepreneurs such as Youtuber Steve Booker, designer and entrepreneur Jeff Sheldon of Ugmonk, photographer Chris Burkard and tonnes more. All of the content inside this magazine will help you live more creatively and live life to the full!

Interview With Designer and Illustrator Manddy Wyckens

How did you become an illustrator?

I don’t think I am actually. Quite a start, right?I think I’m borderline illustrator and designer. I work in animation, mostly, which still involves concept, design and drawing but in a different perspective. And the reason why I wouldn’t call myself an illustrator is because it’s not my job title. I love to do illustrations but they’re mainly done at my own leisure and it’s a way of expression for me. I haven’t yet made a solid attempt at getting into illustration, maybe because I’m not yet exhausted by animation? But I’m definitely considering it.

When did you get your first big break?

I’m unsure. I think it started when I did a big campaign with the guys at The Line Animation. They kindly trusted me with design and I had a blast with them. I guess it sort of showed and the word got out and I started to get lots of jobs of the same kind.

What are you currently working on?

Several things at the same time. On one hand, I am doing some early visual development for a TV show and on the other, I’m helping to put together a sort of trailer for another show. All based in the US.

On the personal side, I’m building up different series’ of illustrations, as well as developing animation films (but that, is a way longer prospect).

What advice would you give to people looking to peruse their dream career?

I’d say that at some point, you have to believe in yourself a lot. You can’t let other people confine you to the opinion they got of you, you can’t let yourself be subdued by a teacher who doesn’t have an idea of what you can or can’t achieve. I think a good part of it all is being stubborn and resilient because somewhere inside you, you know you can take it all and achieve something.

What does the term ‘being creative’ mean to you, what’s your personal definition?

I think it’s allowing yourself to be receptive and sensitive to what’s around you, let it nurture you and find a way to give it back to the world but to give it back with an edge that is your own. It’s finding raw materials and adding value to it.

Who is your idol and why?

I can’t think of anyone specifically but sometimes there are some people’s paths that fascinate me. For instance, I like how David Bowie shape-shifted through his entire career, somehow getting a hold on each tendency and trying to rebuild himself in each decade. I think there is something fascinating in the way you adjust your own definition through time and keep your core personality consistent. I think never getting comfortable in your craft and keeping in touch with the time we live in is a great quality as an artist.

What is the biggest creative challenge you have had to overcome and how did you do it?

That’s always the one question/curveball recruiters love to send you during interview haha. Well, I can’t think of anything. I’m a pretty calm person, I take a problem at a time and try to find solutions to each.

The one creative thing that I find hard to overcome though is when you work professionally with a client that has no respect for your craft, and at some point, after struggling for too long with them you got to admit to yourself it’s time to let go. And then, you just do the work in order to move past it. I find it hard to let go but eventually, you learn it’s healthier for you to choose your battles a little more wisely.

What advice would you offer to someone starting out in your field of work? 

I would say they shouldn’t be shy of knocking at every door. Be there, show your work, be confident, apply, try, don’t self-suppressed, be sincere and friendly.

If you could go back and tell your 18-year old self one thing, what would it be and why?

Quit hanging out with people who use you as a way to make themselves look good/feel talented and tell you you’re not worth anything. You’re wasting useful years you could be drawing and pursuing a career already.

What do you do in your spare time outside of work? 

I actually draw some more outside of work. I like photography, I go on runs in the morning, I have quite a liking for learning other languages (currently learning Korean and Spanish), I read books, I do some guitar, I love testing new restaurants and hanging out with friends etc.

Is there anything else you would like to tell me about yourself?

I’ve had quite a chaotic path in terms of finding my craft and my voice and somehow I think now I sort of wear that hardship as a badge of honour so I’m quite sensitive about equality of chance, industry economics and the whole sociological aspect of education.

If you would like to hear Manddy’s favourite products, services and pieces of entertainment in the world right now then check out this weeks issue of Creative Recommendations.

Make sure you check out Manddy on the following social links: