A multidimensional paper exploration
- Ana moved from graphic design to illustration
- Her works are published across books, brands and museums
- She explores evolving paper experiments into plywood works
Ana Kovačić's illustration is inspired by her careful observation of both the world and herself. She graduated in visual communications from the Zagreb School of Design and went on to work as a graphic and digital designer. After a decade in the industry, she unexpectedly found her passion in illustration, uncovering an entirely new field of creative expression. Ana's drawings have since appeared in books, magazines, permanent museum exhibitions, homeware, posters, apps, and on ciders, wines and record labels. Her exploration of 3D works began with small-scale paper sculptures and mobiles. "Cut and folded paper became both a means of expression and an ideal material for mock-ups," Ana says. Curiosity gradually led her from paper to plywood, where learning basic carpentry skills opened countless new directions within her practice.
INTERVIEW
I discovered my love of illustration after being assigned a drawing-heavy project at my graphic and digital designer job of 10 years. Illustration fulfilled all my creative needs, so it seemed I had no choice but to quit my job to pursue it.
The need for creative development gradually started morphing my illustration into material objects. The first steps to 3D came in the form of paper sculptures and mobiles. After that, I slowly graduated to experimenting with plywood.
I split my work between commercial illustration that brings clients’ visions to life and personal projects that are all mine. So, inspiration comes from careful observation of both the world and myself.
My practice is a balancing act between 2D and 3D, where I test how drawings shift into physical objects. Some transitions are smooth, others resist and surprise me, but that friction between image and form keeps the work curious, playful and alive.
