Clara Fruehwirth

Illustrator

©Johnny What

Sparking dialogue through illustration

Clara has a background in education and art history
She enjoys bending reality through her work
Her mentor to this day is Renate Habinger, with whom she started

When asked about when she started drawing, Clara Fruehwirth has to think back quite a long way. She remembers being a child, always armed with a ballpoint pen in hand, doodling on her skin or sketching the forts other children were building. "Drawing always came more easily to me than writing," she reflects. Despite this, Clara initially pursued an academic path, studying art history and social education before earning her Master's degree in illustration. Finding her place in children's book illustration felt natural. Clara's illustrations provoke questioning. She believes that a good illustration starts where the text ends, fostering curiosity and sparking conversations among both young readers and adults.

Interview

©Kristina Gorke

What was your first piece of work?: When it comes to children's book illustration, I fondly remember launching a comic series at the tender age of 10, starring a charismatic bird named Chip. I poured my heart and soul into creating those cover designs. Chip's escapades even saw about 10 editions hitting my shelf.
How did you get into children's book illustration?: I entered children's book illustration through a summer school in Oberndorf an der Melk with Renate Habinger, a respected figure on the Austrian illustration scene. Renate leads the children's book house Schneiderhäusl and co-initiated several Austrian design awards for children's books. Her guidance was invaluable as I embarked on my journey, and she continues to inspire and mentor me to this day.
What do you enjoy most about your work?: What I enjoy most about my craft is the freedom to let my imagination run wild. I get to create entire worlds, filled with unique places and characters. I can bring animals and objects to life, making them speak and interact in ways that spark wonder. There is even the thrill of bending reality, such as defying the laws of gravity.
What inspires you?: I am particularly inspired by everyday things. Scenes I observe, smell, taste or feel, conversations I overhear, or even funny mishaps like accidentally dipping my brush in coffee while drawing. Of course, the exchange with authors is also very stimulating for me, inspiring me to develop new ideas.

Clara Fruehwirth is a rising star: she began her career in 2021