July 23, 2012
illustrator maja beus
Living in London had a big impact on illustrator Maja Beus. She went there after completing a masters in graphic design in Zagreb, Croatia. During her time in London Maja came to the realisation that she wanted to focus on illustration. She started a blog at about the same time, which helped develop her style and, in turn, resulted in being signed with the Australian agency The Illustration Room. While Maja lives in Croatia, she has family in Brisbane, and spent time there after high school. Currently she is working towards an exhibition in Berlin later this year.
Which five words best describe you? Funny, analyzing, anxious, compassionate and a loner.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I have been drawing since forever and in my case it wasn't so much a choice, as it was a need. But I swerved a little along the way, trying to "do the smart thing" and things like this. I am, of course, talking about university. But never mind, I got a lot from my uni, and what I lost in time I gained in lost confidence.
What's the best lesson you have learnt along the way? I have learned that you don't have to be the best to make it. You just have to be good enough and persevere.
What's your proudest career achievement? I am not sure I have something like that yet, but an exhibition I am working on might be it when it happens.
What's been your best decision? Not to go all hippy on you, but I believe all decisions are good decisions. But one with the furthest reaching consequences on me and my life was definitely moving to London few years ago.
Who inspires you? People who go after what they want, no matter what "makes sense" or would be easier to do. Nonconformists. People who live here and now.
What are you passionate about? Everything and nothing. I enjoy all aspects of life, but often find passion takes too much out of you, leaving you empty later on, so I try not to indulge in it too often. But then again maybe am confusing passion and compulsive behaviour.
Which person, living or dead would you most like to meet? Who wouldn't I?!? Does Jake Gyllenhaal count? Because he is definitely on that list. But in terms of my work, I guess I wouldn't mind just hanging around with David Downton, carrying his pencils and just watching how he draws.
What dream do you still want to fulfill? How much time do you have? There is so much, but I am working on this one: in September I am going to Portugal and am finally learning to surf. The dream is to be a surfer in Hawaii (Blue Crush left a big impression on me).
What are you reading? Trust me you don't want to know. It's self help!
images courtesy of maja beus