We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anna Lena Feunekes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anna Lena, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

For me, creating meaningful and creative work is the ideal way to spend time. While we tend to spend time with loved ones in our personal lives, we are still learning to prioritize this in our professional lives. Of course, this can be a luxury when earning a living is a top priority. As an experienced artist, I have a natural sense of what is beautiful and good. But what sets me apart is my desire to create work with extra meaning.

Here’s an example: Instead of using print-on-demand services to sell my artwork online, I wanted to create something more special and meaningful. So, I started making small batches of beeswax wraps with my own illustrations on them. This allowed me to create a product that I personally wanted and enjoyed making. And to my surprise, I started getting inquiries from small businesses to create similar products for them.

My advice? Tap into things that are meaningful to you and let that drive your creative work. It may just lead you to your next career step!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi there, I’m Anna Lena, a freelance illustrator, designer, and author. I trained as an Industrial Designer, but I’ve always pursued my creative dreams on the side. This led to me signing with my agent at David Higham Associates, and my first author-illustrated picture book is coming soon!

When I’m not working on my book ideas, I do client illustration work for magazines, fabric patterns, brand illustrations, and cards. I love setting new creative goals and going for them. What sets me apart is my ability to channel my creative chaos and energy into a strategic approach, and I never give up. Combining my raw creativity with organizational skills and proper marketing has been key to my success.

I’m most proud of my work drive and enthusiasm for everything I do. Even when doing admin work, I celebrate the small victories.

One thing you should know about my business is that I love making illustrations with collage and gouache paint, mixed with digital techniques. Each piece has a unique handmade touch that you won’t find anywhere else. My work is infused with a love for nature and a nostalgic feel, aiming to tug at your heartstrings in just the right way.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I experienced burnout, it forced me to reassess my life and priorities. I realized that I had a talent for finding enthusiasm in almost anything and taking pride in doing things well. However, I was in the wrong environment and ended up taking on too much in an attempt to improve things. Despite loving my job, I decided to quit and focus on my freelance work.

Leaving my old job was like a breath of fresh air, and I felt like the world was full of opportunity again. I rediscovered my passion for traditional media and writing book pitches, which ultimately led to me landing an agent and a book project.

I also found out that I was pregnant during this time, which changed my perspective on life even more. I learned to let go of control and trust the process, which was something I also encountered during my burnout. Now, as a mother, I take things slower, spend more time outdoors, and appreciate the world in a new way with my son.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Asking for help. Period! I always tend to think I need to be able to do everything myself, whereas bringing someone on to help with things you can’t do or don’t want to do is the key to growth.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.annalena.nl
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annalenavaniersel/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaLenavIersel