Ones to Watch 2016: Illustrator Sara Andreasson

It’s fair to say that few illustrators in recent times have had us as excited as Sara Andreasson. Her name has come up time and time again in the It’s Nice That studio and her work, as brilliant and recognisable as it is thoroughly refreshing, continues to grab our attention. With bright and buoyant colours and a style all of her own, the irrepressible Swedish illustrator has gone from strength to strength in only a year and a half, and we were thrilled to include her in the last issue of Printed Pages. 

As well as keeping up with a string of personal projects, including the all-girl magazine she edits with her friend Josefine Hardstedt, BBY, 2015 saw Sara add commissions for The Guardian and The New York Times to her portfolio, and her work sold out at London’s Pick Me Up at Somerset House. She has also been commissioned to illustrate the forthcoming issue of The Anonymous Sex Journal, joining the likes of Laura Callaghan and Damien Cuypers, who have illustrated previous issues of the A6 zine. 

Aside from observing that illustrators and designers are generally lovely people, what did she take away from all her collaborating in 2015? “It turns out that the myth about all illustrators resembling their work is also 100% true.” 

So far, 2016 is looking set to involve a lot of zines. “One thing I know is that zines will be a recurring theme, but the coming year is still a blank sheet of paper in so many ways. The most thrilling part of freelancing is that you never know what’s next.” She has however, been in talks with Josh McKenna about potentially collaborating on _BBY_’s brother publication. “Although our styles are quite different I think we’re a perfect match in terms of ideas and ideals so I’m really looking forward to getting started on this,” she explains. “Not to ruin the surprise, but the working title is BBY Boy.” 

This year she hopes to devote more time and attention to BBY and is looking forward to revealing a score of work she’s had to keep tight-lipped about. “Unfortunately I can’t get into details just yet, but if everything goes well all you need to do is keep an eye on billboards in the coming year,” she says. 

Where would she like to be in another year’s time? “Outside of my comfort zone.” Whatever Sara’s doing, we predict big things ahead for her.