Susann Hoffmann

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At Home in Story-Driven Worlds

Between Precise Linework and Narrative Charm

Drawing was never just a hobby for Susann. When it came time to choose a career path at school, a slight detour through a degree in Communication Design at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences eventually led her to illustration. During her studies, she spent much of her time in the animation department and enrolled in as many illustration courses as possible. It was therefore only natural for her to continue with a Master's degree in Illustration after completing her Bachelor's degree. Raised in a small village near Hanover, she has called Hamburg home ever since moving there for her studies. Her style ranges from clear linework to flat forms with subtle modelling. Through a thoughtful use of colour, she structures even complex compositions and guides the viewer’s eye through the image. People, animals and plants are treated with the same sense of warmth and attention to character. The result is a body of work that feels both approachable and atmospheric while remaining visually clear and well organised. For commissioned projects, Susann works digitally using Procreate and Photoshop. The digital workflow allows for flexibility throughout the creative process and makes revisions easy to implement. Alongside her professional work, she maintains a sketchbook practice, most often using acrylic markers. She particularly enjoys their vibrant colours and opaque application. Her daily routine is accompanied by Lily and Lucy, her two Ragdoll cats. Outside of illustration, she enjoys creative and story-driven hobbies such as reading, knitting, crocheting and gaming.

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How did you become interested in illustration?I’ve always loved drawing. When the topic of career choices came up at school, I couldn’t think of anything I’d actually like to do professionally besides drawing, so I started researching what kinds of careers might fit. That’s how I came across graphic design, and I assumed that would be my path. I did notice that illustration could be studied in Hamburg and Münster, but at the time it seemed like a rather uncertain career choice...Did you study illustration?...which is why I first completed a Bachelor's degree in Communication Design at HAW Hamburg. In reality, though, I spent much more time in the animation department and took as many illustration courses as I could, even though only some of them counted towards my degree. Advertising and typography didn’t interest me nearly as much (with the exception of lettering and calligraphy). So it was only natural that I went on to complete a Master's degree in Illustration afterwards — and took just as much time for it as I had for my Bachelor's degree. ;)What techniques do you work with?For commissioned work, I work exclusively digitally on an iPad using Procreate or Photoshop. Revisions are much easier to handle digitally, and the process requires less physical pressure on my hand, which is important since I’ve been dealing with some issues with my shoulder and drawing hand for the past few years. In my personal sketchbooks, which I also share regularly on social media, I love working with acrylic markers because they allow for bright colours and beautifully opaque coverage.Where did you grow up?In the countryside near Hanover, in a village of fewer than 500 people, right next to fields and meadows. Moving to a big city like Hamburg wasn’t entirely easy for me, and sometimes I still miss having nature right outside my front door.Where do you live now, and what brought you there?I moved to Hamburg in 2010 to study and ended up staying. Hamburg offers a unique illustration degree programme, which is what drew me to the city in the first place.Do you have a studio pet?Actually, I have two! Since autumn 2024, Lily and Lucy, two fluffy Ragdoll cats, have been living with us. We adopted them from a family that no longer had enough time for them. Since I spend most of my time at home and also work from there, I’m not only a freelance illustrator but also a full-time provider of cuddles, snacks and balcony-door services.Describe the view from your window.A courtyard, other people’s enviably large rooftop terraces, treetops and sky.What are your interests outside illustration?Besides drawing, I enjoy mostly “cozy” hobbies such as gaming, knitting, crocheting, puzzling and reading. More recently, I’ve also gotten into the card game *Magic: The Gathering*. Illustrating a card for it would be a dream job, although I have to admit my style probably isn’t quite the right fit. :DWhat makes a good client brief?A combination of a clear vision and openness to ideas, a well-defined task, concrete information about scope, usage and timing — and the icing on the cake is a realistic budget.If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be?In the age of AI, that’s actually something I think about. I could imagine continuing to work with my hands. If women didn’t so often have negative experiences during vocational training in the trades, I might consider becoming a carpenter — although I’m not sure my shoulder would appreciate it. Tattooing also sounds exciting in theory, but unfortunately I have far too few tattoos myself.Who would you most like to meet?If time travel were possible, I’d love to meet Tove Jansson. I also wouldn’t say no to having a few cocktails with Pedro Pascal.If you could travel back in time, which era would you visit?As long as I didn’t actually have to live there, probably the time of Jane Austen. I’d love to get a glimpse of what the world was like without modern technology. Though I’d probably become frustrated by the situation of women pretty quickly.Do you have any hidden talents?I love film scores and can recognise many of them within just a few seconds. :DIf you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?Ever since I spent a semester abroad in Barcelona in 2012, I’ve always said that if I ever moved abroad, that’s where I’d go. Somewhere warmer, with more sunshine and close to the sea. Though I certainly wouldn’t object to a small house on a Caribbean beach either...Do you have a favourite game?I play a lot of games in my free time, both digital and analogue, so choosing a favourite is difficult. But *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* is one I can always return to whenever I want to escape everyday life for a while. ❤️What do you listen to while working?During the sketching phase, I usually listen to nothing at all, or perhaps some very quiet background music. When I’m refining and finishing artwork, I almost need audiobooks or podcasts (such as *Drinnies*, *Creative Pep Talk* or *Plot House*). Otherwise, I get distracted too easily and my brain starts jumping from one thing to another instead of focusing.Which languages do you speak?German, English, and un poco de Español.