They just liked my work!

I usually ask alumni what they did after graduation. To you, I'd better ask about all the things you did before!?

‘Sorry, the timeline is kind of mixed up. I started making artwork when I was still in high school. I was already doing small stuff, T-shirt design and such. I consider Powerwolf to be my first official client.’

A high schooler making artwork for a German heavy metal band. How come?

‘Bizarre, isn't it? I went to a Powerwolf concert for the first time when I was 17. Inspired by their music and performance, I made some artwork, and my friends encouraged me to send it to the band. I'm still surprised I really did. I'd just added a note like: I love your music and it inspired me. The next day, the manager answered my mail and asked me if I'd like to make more artwork for them. I was flattered, I mean, I had no qualification at all, no diploma, I definitely was not a professional. And for a brief moment, I considered saying no.’

But you said yes. A turning point? What did it mean to you?

‘It meant a lot to me. I mean, they didn't know anything about me! It changed my whole mindset. They didn't look at my education, diplomas, portfolio, or whatever. They just liked my work! That's the best thing that can happen to you. This made me realise I could start making a living with this.’

What did you do?

‘I still lived in my hometown at the time, it’s called Nové Zámky, a small town in the southern part of Slovakia. I decided to apply for the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava. I didn’t get in, but I didn’t mind. I was and still am more inspired by classical art. By chance, I heard from the head of my high school that an artist from Malaysia had come to live in our village and I thought, maybe I could do an internship with him. He had lived all over the world, worked for game companies all over the world and suddenly, he was there in my hometown! So, I gathered some portfolio and went to his studio. From that day on, I was working there, and in the very meantime I was working for Powerwolf and other bands that reached out to me.’

What did you learn from this artist? What’s his name?

‘Sunder Raj. I learnt a lot about the basics of art, about traditional tools. Don’t just rely on Photoshop, he always said. But the most valuable thing was that I learnt so much about the industry. For the first time I got into contact with professionals in game design. I mean, Slovakia is not much of a scene! Together we travelled to Croatia to represent his company at a major game event.’

How did you end up in Breda? I mean, sounds good to me so far.

‘I think it was in the beginning of 2018 that I started to feel a bit uncomfortable. I was okay, working and learning a lot, it was great, but in a way, I felt a bit isolated. I had actually always planned to go abroad, my mother was very pleased that it had not happened yet, it's not that common here to go to another country. Anyway, in April 2018 I visited Amsterdam and took the train to Breda for an open day at BUas. I immediately liked it but was quite shocked that I couldn't start in September. Apparently, the application deadline had already passed, so I had to wait another year!’

That didn't stop you?

‘Certainly not. But just to be sure, I also applied for the Florence Academy of Art. In the end, I was accepted to both, and I got a week to decide what I was going to do. I loved both, so a dilemma it was! The Florence Academy of Art was the traditional thing I loved, some kind of romantic idea, Florence would absolutely be a great experience. But nothing digital there! To pursue a proper career, I thought BUas to be more beneficial. It’s so well connected to the industry, students can personalise their studies, and I loved the international aspect from the very first beginning.’

You had quite a bit of experience before you started at BUas. What did your studies bring? 

‘I got myself new challenges, especially in entrepreneurship. I joined the BUas Startup Support group and was really engaged with this group. I learnt so much, I mean, I had so little experience with finance, marketing, networking. If someone had told me a few years earlier that I was going to go networking like this, I wouldn't have believed that person. I'm an introvert, I don't approach people easily. At BUas, I learnt how to properly talk to clients, how to negotiate. And also, how to go back to the basics, the traditional art. I did the Resilient Entrepreneurship minor and the Own Company track, and I both loved it!’

What has been your most meaningful experience in Breda?

‘The experience of growing. I was 21 when I came to Breda, and I’ve changed in so many respects. I dare say that my time at BUas has opened my eyes and empowered my curiosity.’

You graduated in the summer of 2023. Still working and living in Breda?

‘At the very moment, I’m in my hometown in Slovakia but I’m not planning to stay here. I’d really like to move out. Maybe to Austria. I love nature, I’m an active and sportive person, so yeah, I like being outside. It inspires me and for me, it's the perfect kind of balance. Besides, I love winter because I’m a real snowboarding fan.’

And still a heavy metal fan?

‘And still a heavy metal fan. I still go to concerts regularly. That's part of my life. Just like my artwork is. Quite influenced by heavy metal of course. That was kind of an organic process. Beginning artists often worry about their own style. Don’t do that. It develops naturally over time. Just focus on what you like and what inspires you.’

I can imagine young artists who are struggling would like to share their thoughts with you. 

‘Please do so! I don’t consider myself an expert, but I’m always happy to chat. Please reach out through my website – that I finally launched last summer – so proud!’

Interview: Maaike Dukker-’t Hart