Fredrik Rattzen

Fredrik Rattzen was born in Kristianstad, Sweden in 1988. He attended Illustration class at Berghs School of Communication in 2009; after graduating, Fredrik freelanced a while, but in Fall 2010, he decided he needed further education and went for a few part time courses at TAD. In spring 2011, he enrolled in the full-time program, majoring in Illustration.

WEBSITE | fredrikrattzen.blogspot.com

INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTIST:

1. What can you tell us about your creative and career motivations?

I think that being able to reach out to others through my work, making some kind of difference, is the single biggest source of motivation for me, probably because it is such a difficult one.

2. What is it like studying at TAD with all the professional faculty?

It's awesome! The faculty really care about all the students, and the feedback being given is amazing. I think, that by explaining why something works, and not just stating that it does, has helped me a lot. When understanding the fundamentals behind something, it's so much easier to apply the same principles to other thing's you're doing, and not just that particular assignment. I think that's the beauty of TAD, how everything just merges together.

3. What led you to want to be an artist in the first place?

I started drawing as a kid because it was pure fun! Later, when steering my life towards art after highschool, having fun still was one of the major ingredients. Of course, art is a struggle like everything else, but it is a struggle I enjoy.

4. What advice would you have to other artists looking to grow in their work and skills?

I can only speak from my own point of view, but I think what has helped me the most lately is exploring the intent of my work. I used to do a lot of paintings just for the sake of it, not that there's anything wrong with that, but it didnt help me grow artistically. If my intention behind a painting is weak, I feel that the painting will most likely itself look weak, no matter how good my technique is. So, I guess my best advice would be to work smart and and think hard.

5. What are three things about art that you have learned in the past year at TAD which had the biggest impact on your work?

I could make this list go on forever, but a few things:
I feel I definitely have improved in terms of organizing my somewhat chaotic thought process into something less chaotic and understandable, allowing me to more clearly communicate ideas. Also, getting into the whole concept of abstraction has helped me to further explore other solutions which I otherwise would not have thought of.
And more recently, in the honors program at TAD, being able to connect with the industry is just amazing. I'm sure it will have a major impact on my work.

6. Where do you want to be with your art and career after you finish TAD?

I'm majoring in illustration so my goal is to freelance after TAD. As for art itself, I have absolutely no idea. I'm just curious to see where it takes me. What I do know for sure is that the knowledge I gain from TAD will help me no matter which direction I may take.

7. What do you do to find inspiration on a daily basis?

I always look to nature because of the endless variety it produces. It's just incredible. For me, it's all about the little things we take for granted: Waking up, looking at your bed, realising it looks like the most amazing landscape. Things like that, every day is just full of them.

8. What songs have you been listening to lately?

Chief - Your Direction; Chief - Nice People; Armistice - City Lights Cry; White Arrows - Save Me A Place

9. Who are your inspirations and influences?

A few artists who I always seem to come back to: Antonio Lopez Garcia, Alex Kanevsky and James Jean.

10. What do you think the biggest hurdles are for you in your work in the next couple years?

I've always found personal work the most diffucult to do. I often try to look back at certain points in time where I felt and acted a certain way, and really revisit those moments. I feel that it's something that wears me down a lot and I doubt it'll ever become easier. Maybe, over time, when I develop a stronger point of view, I'll be able to more accept who I am and reflect myself more clearly in my work.

11. Any other thoughts to share?

Surround yourself by inspiration, no matter what.