In The Artist Studio with Stina Persson

Step inside the studio of artist Stina Persson, who provided the gorgeous artwork featured in our July book alongside Karlie Kloss!

Her colorful illustrations have long been a favorite of mine, so I was extremely excited when I learned we were working with her, and even more so when she answered some questions for me and provided some photos of her studio space in Sweden! Check out the photos below, along with an interview with Stina and more of her work!

stina persson

stina persson

stina persson

stina persson

stina persson

stina persson

Where did you draw inspiration for your illustrations in our July catalog?

From the actual collection as well as my secret stash of vintage scarves, dresses and old magazines.

The catalog has a theme of dark vs. light – would you say you’re more of a light person or more on the dark side?

Light with a decent splash of dark.

What role does fashion normally play in your work?

Most clients I work with want a fashion feel so I feel it’s a big part of my everyday life.

stina persson

Your art varies from watercolor to cut paper to acrylic and ink – do you have a favorite medium to work with?

Inks, paper cuts and watercolor. Lately I have an urge for thick paints in bright colors painted with heavy brushes.

If your artwork was a place where would it be?

Someplace hot and humid, both rough and pretty. Like New York or Sicily.

What environment do you do your best work in?

In my bright studio in Stockholm which I share with other creatives.

Do you listen to music while you work, and if so what do you listen to?

Yes! But what I listen to varies a lot. Right now it is First Aid Kit, St Etienne, Keren Ann, Ane Brun, Little Dragon, Astrud Gilberto, Chet Baker, Cesaria Evora, Fleet Foxes, I Blame Coco, Nouvelle Vague, Nick Drake, Peggy Lee, Frida Hyvönen, Le Kid, Laleh, Michael Kiwanuka and so on.

stina persson

Who are some of your biggest influences, artistically or personally?

I love the work Egon Schiele, Alberto Giacometti, my teacher Meri Bourgard, the designs of late Alexander McQueen, but most of all I love prints and designs, furniture and art that I find in flea markets and thrifts stores.

What’s next for you? Anything you can tell us about what you’re currently working on?

I will continue working with the iconic eye wear brand Cazal, and I have just finished work on an animation about British Fashion.

What does “Free” mean to you?

The possibility to be your best, to not conform. It must be one of the better adjectives around.

stina persson

Check out lots more of her work at stinapersson.com and see all of her illustrations for Free People in the July catalog! Stina also did these two exclusive iPhone cases for Free People:

iphone cases

More creative inspiration from the BLDG 25 Blog.

_____________________________________________________________________

Trending at Free People: summer dresses, maxi dresses, boyfriend jeans, rompers, high-waisted bikinis, dresses, jeffrey campbell litas, lace dresses, sundresses, off the shoulder tops.

0 0 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
4 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
11 years ago

One of my greatest inspirations! I love her and have been a fan since I started art school. As a freelance illustrator now I look at her and her work and dream of being in a similar place someday. Thanks for the great interview with her! Definitely need an iPhone case now. ;)

11 years ago

Wow! Her work is brilliant, I LOVE it.

Annie
11 years ago

The floral she draws are so pretty I want to wear them – a skirt or a tote bag… anything

11 years ago

Beautiful artwork!