Heidi Haakenson, Fridley, MN
Member Since August 2006
Artist Statement Professional Illustrator-Designer, I hold a BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin, Stout, along with fine art studies abroad at Goldsmiths University of London. I have earned a living as an artist since my early days of drawing caricatures at an amusement park, through years as a freelance illustrator, and professional designer. My work is licensed and sold worldwide and has been featured in Design Sponge, DailyCandy, national print advertising campaigns, major book publishers, and children’s educational learning products and décor.
A Minnesota native, I draw inspiration from my home state as well as my travels, finding and capturing beauty in nature, the mundane, neglected objects, and people. I’m passionate about creating colorful, emotionally captivating images. Whether it be impressionistic, photography, whimsical children’s art, minimal graphic cartoons, hand drawn print patterns, or detailed illustrations, my style and skill with various mediums are wide and ever-evolving.
About the art
My current works featured here are pieces created with my original photography and drawings digitally manipulated in Photoshop. This allows me to tease out colors, textures, and build from the photo the artistic expression I envision when capturing the image in the first place with a camera.
Feelings and sensations that can’t be captured in a photo, I add in with brush strokes and a multitude of digital techniques, while adhering to traditional principles of composition and color. What I don’t like, I take out. What’s missing, I add. What’s hidden, I expose. I create the emotion and image I want, using the photo as a starting point. It’s an exciting process!
I hope viewers can find a piece that resonates with them that can add joy to their surroundings.
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