Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanna Cohen.
Hi Hanna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ll start with a quick introduction! Hi, my name is Hanna Cohen, I’m from Miami, Florida and I’m currently living here in Savannah. I’m working as a freelance illustrator with a specialty in surface design and publication work.
Becoming an artist isn’t quite a decision that’s made on a whim; it stems from a deep-rooted passion and drive to create. I’m very lucky to have parents who have always encouraged my fascination in the arts. They always took me to art fairs, galleries, museums, and plays when I was growing up. Throughout my childhood, I found myself exploring all sorts of creative outlets: sculpting, sewing, gardening, cooking, painting, and collaging, any form of art under the sun. I tried hundreds of hobbies, and I loved every single one of them. All creatives possess a hunger to bring their ideas into fruition, and I’m very grateful to have a family who fostered my creative growth.
Although growing up I never knew I could be a full-time artist, I was always under the assumption that an art-related career was nearly unobtainable. It wasn’t until my high school years that I learned that with determination and effort, working as a full-time artist could be within my grasp. I went to the Savannah College of Art and Design to learn about all the different markets out there for creatives and how to tackle the one that was best suited for me, which, in my case, was Illustration for publication and surface design!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a professional artist means having to be creative 24/7. Although the work is joyous, unfortunately, being in a constant state of creativity and having to find new, novel solutions can lead to burnout. This can make it difficult and frustrating to start new projects and feel satisfied with the work. Usually, I tackle this frustration by trying to switch up my creative process to keep the work exciting. Sometimes something as simple as changing the color of the pencil I’m using can do the trick, but if that isn’t enough, I usually switch to a new medium entirely. Constantly exploring and jumping between different media such as pastels, watercolors, and oil paints usually does the trick when it comes to putting fuel into my creativity engine. The most important part of being an artist is having fun and embracing the process.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in child-friendly illustrations, with most of my illustration being filled with inviting colors, Big shapes, playful characters, and lots of different patterns. I love patterns, and I’m always trying to place them in my work wherever I can! People always tend to take note of my beloved patterns.
What matters most to you? Why?
Making people happy. At the end of the day, if my artwork can leave someone with just a smile on their face, that’s all the satisfaction I need. The world can be filled with harsh and upsetting things, I wanna provide people with some extra joy to get them through it.
Contact Info:
- Website: Teensylines.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teensylines/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-cohen-b59478293/
