Kristian Ingers
Collage artist
Limhamn, Sweden
Recommended by Paolo Rui
Vintage collage for modern perspectives
- Kristian creates collages with thrift finds and vintage postcards
- He reworks these paper collages into digital visuals
- His first career was in teaching arts and crafts
Kristian Ingers is a Malmö-based collage illustrator who has been crafting unique editorial illustrations since 2013. His work, characterised by a blend of thrift shop finds and vintage postcards, brings a distinctive and expressive style to magazines, musician artwork, and various venues. Kristian has also contributed to Svenska Tecknare, a publication for Swedish illustrators and graphic designers. With a background in teaching arts and crafts, he initially worked with wood before transitioning to illustration for its flexibility. Today, Kristian also enjoys exploring digital craftsmanship. His creative process involves sifting through vintage materials, cutting and arranging them by hand, and refining details digitally. "I frequently collaborate with artists worldwide, exploring both analogue and digital techniques, to co-create compelling narratives," he says. His ability to transform forgotten references into new stories invites viewers to dive into their own interpretation.
INTERVIEW
There is something captivating about old images and the memories they carry. I draw inspiration from forgotten references, reimagining them through collage to spark new perspectives. Initially, I was drawn to architecture, but my passion for illustration grew as I shared my work on Instagram, leading to collaborations and a fulfilling career in this creative field.
I start by sifting through vintage materials, old photos, postcards, and textures looking for elements that resonate. I cut and arrange them by hand, sometimes scanning to refine details digitally, letting intuition guide the final composition. My process used to be more instinctive, but over time, it has become more analytical, especially when I work on client assignments.
Before illustration, I worked with wood, which required larger machines and more space. I switched to illustration because it offers greater flexibility, allowing me to work almost anywhere, whether at home or in a studio. This helps me balance assignments and personal projects, creating a comfortable environment where I can be productive and creative.
Experiment freely as there are no rules in collage. Collect materials that inspire you, trust your instincts, and let accidents guide you. Try both analogue and digital techniques to find your style. Embrace mistakes as part of the creative process and use them to your advantage. Most importantly, keep creating and stay curious, as this will help you grow and evolve as an artist.
