Vibrant expressions by Manne Jalilian

Welcome to Postery! How are you?

Thank you! I'm great. Spring is on its way (I hope), and I'm really looking forward to our collaboration!

Tell us about yourself and how you got started with art.

I'm Manne, an artist and illustrator from Stockholm. I have always illustrated and painted, as long as I can remember and it's always been a way to express myself creatively. I knew I wanted to be an artist while trying to achieve a music career, but I soon realised I put a lot more work into the visuals and was much better at it.

What are your main sources of inspiration?

Travelling to new places or just to get new impressions is very inspiring. But also people, family, friends, music and movies.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

Josef Frank, Carl Johan De Geer, Tove Jansson, and Picasso, just to name a few.

What does art mean to you?

For me, art is being curious, wanting to explore something, a feeling, or an expression, and channelling inspiration and emotions.

What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?

I want to be completely free in my creativity, push myself, and try new things. But also not to doubt my creative ability and to trust my intuition.

How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist?

That's always difficult, but I try to do it by setting up routines. When I leave my studio, I try not to think about work and never work from home.

Where do you live/reside?

I live in the south of Stockholm. I just moved to a new apartment near a large nature reserve and the city. It's the best of both worlds.

When is your favourite time of day to create?

Probably at night, even if it doesn't fit in with my everyday life. Nowadays, it's more nine to five, but the best ideas usually come up at night.

What do you like doing when you are not creating?

I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, being in nature, going to the movies, cooking, or eating at a nice restaurant.

What will we never find in your home?

Hopefully, there are no spiders. They are too creepy.

What is your current obsession and why?

It's always been gelato, preferably some flavour of stracciatella or pistachio. Can't get enough!

Do you have a hidden talent?

I'm a pretty good drummer, I used to play in an alternative rock band.

Would you say you are an introvert or an extrovert?

I'm definitely both, I need my space, but if I'm not being social, I get bored after a while. Trying to find a good balance between the two.

What are you focusing on right now?

A lot of my focus is on my 10-month-old baby. He is incredibly cute and loves to hang out and go on adventures.

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

At the moment, I'll say the song Mates by John Carroll Kirby. It's very groovy and funky and makes me happy.

Thank you Manne!