Artists We Love: Kim Bischofberger

INTERVIEWED BY Michaela Stehr IMAGES courtesy of Kim Bischofberger

Cape Town-based graphic designer and illustrator Kim Bischofberger creates striking digital artworks that highlight architectural angles and arches. VISI chats to her about her work, influences and inspirations.

How did you start your design journey?

I studied Graphic Design at CPUT, graduated in 2008, and then worked at a bunch of design and branding agencies in and around Cape Town. I’ve always tried to keep my own creative endeavours going in my free time. Eventually, in 2016, I decided to go freelance full-time, which gave me more time to focus on my illustrations and experiment with prints. A year later, my partner Terence Kitching and I started our own design business called SuperElastic. We offer a full range of services, including branding, design strategy, illustration, UX and interiors.

My career started and was built on a strong branding skillset, but I’ve found that as I’ve progressed and grown as a designer, I’ve fallen more and more in love with interiors, architecture and creating engaging spaces.

Are your images inspired by real places or are they imaginary?

I do find inspiration in places I’ve visited, but my images are imaginary spaces. I’m kind of building my dream home, room by room, in my mind. Each illustration can feel like a different part of a bigger, more intricate building or space or it can just be an interesting view of an imaginary structure.

I love playing with light, and sometimes, I use references of windows casting light, etc to help get the lighting right. I love to incorporate my favourite views into the backgrounds of my images – at the moment it’s a lot of Mediterranean beaches because I’m already missing summer.

What is your process for creating an illustration?

I work in Adobe Illustrator. I’ve built a toolkit of textures and colour palettes that I like to use over a set of images, and then change up, experimenting with what works best.

I like to create images that take the viewer on a  journey through my imaginary spaces, level by level, room by room, highlighting different elements, like archways, staircases, swimming pools, courtyards and windows. I usually create a night and day version of each image, playing with light and shadow.

Your images are all about perspectives and angles. What intrigues you about architecture?

I would have loved to be an architect and have always had a fascination with Art Deco and Spanish architecture. There’s something very intriguing about exploring a building, and discovering new spaces. I love that creating imaginary spaces has no limits. Things don’t have to actually make sense, so I have fun with structures that may not be possible to build in real life.

Do you have any favourite architects?

I’m obsessed with Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. He mixes classic and contemporary elements in a really inspiring way. I also love designer Camille Walala – she creates incredible, colourful interiors and spaces that inspire pure joy.

What advice do you have for young illustrators?

Creating your own work should always be fun, experimental and without pressure and limits. And practice makes perfect – so make time for it!

Who should be on our radar locally?

Darren Christian (@big_diff_) is an amazing concept artist, he creates haunting scenes and illustrations that always blow me away! I also love Lauren Fowler’s (@bylaurenfowler) whimsical, fantastical style and Eloise de Klerk (@ello_xray_eyez) is a firm favourite of mine!

How can people get hold of your work?

You can order my prints directly from me by emailing kim@superelastic.co.za, or visit my Instagram account, @kimkimbolino for more info. You can also buy my prints from Fabricate (in Cape Town) once it’s open again.