We interviewed Timo Kuilder, illustrator of the "Everyday Life" collection

"We want to launch a collection that highlights everyday actions. Those aspects of life that we don't value very much, but that end up being the most important."

That was the premise we put to good old Timo, and he took up the challenge.

Below we interview Timo Kuilder, an illustrator with the soul of an artist with whom we have worked to launch this very special collection.

Pre-sale access >> "Everyday Life" by Minimalism x Timo Kuilder

Timo has collaborated with big brands like Google, Twitter, Slack, The New York Times, The New Yorker, TED... and now he collaborates with us, Minimalism. We're really excited about that 🤍

- Hi Timo! For those who don't know you, could you tell us who you are?

Hello. My name is Timo Kuilder , I live in Amsterdam and I have a dog named Atlas. I work as an illustrator and I basically spend most of my time drawing. A few days ago I moved into my new studio, which has a nice view of a windmill. It's a very bright space, so I'm really happy about it.

- When did you start to get interested in the world of illustration?

I'm not sure when I first became interested in illustrations specifically, but I've always been drawn to art, album covers, and graphic design. I remember hanging out with my friends and we'd start drawing our own video games on paper. At the time, Commander Keen was a hit with young people.

- Illustrator, graphic designer, narrator, artist? Which term do you most identify with?

I guess I consider myself an illustrator most of the time. But artist sounds good too. I think when I'm doing assignments for others the term illustrator is the most appropriate, and when I'm developing my own projects we could go with the term artist.

- Tell us about your influences. Where do you look for inspiration?

I think I get most inspired during my downtime.

When you do back-to-back projects, you're just working. Inspiration comes on those days between projects or when you're on vacation. Or basically away from the computer, walking your dog or something.

But of course I also look at Instagram and follow a lot of contemporary illustrators. I'm really drawn to the work that Alexis Jamet is doing at the moment. I'm also a big fan of Braulio Amado and Jordy van den Nieuwendijk . Geoff McFetridge 's work always inspired me, as he did the cover for Whitest Boy Alive.

- What is it like to work with big players like The New York Times, Google or Twitter?

They are great clients! I work with different teams on these projects, which is really interesting. When you work with The New York Times, there are times when you end up being part of choosing the topic along with the editors and journalists. I love it when my work becomes more than just drawing a picture. And it's always great to see your work printed on newsprint.

In relation to Google, the work I am doing with them is aimed at their applications, which are used by millions of people. When I think about it, it seems a bit overwhelming.

- What is your daily routine like? Because you don't only dedicate yourself to illustrating and animating. In 2018 you launched Kontrast , an illustrated puzzle game for iOS and Android devices, and you are currently working on another platform video game. How did this union between development and illustration come about? And when will we be able to try the game?

Yes, I love seeing my work in completely different contexts like we did with Kontrast. Right now we are working on a new game, again with my brother (who is a developer). It will be a mix between a platformer and a puzzle game.

Honestly, I have no idea when we'll be able to release it. We're still in the early stages, constantly breaking things and starting over. Hopefully we'll be able to have a prototype by early next year and start building more levels from there. Right now we're not even working one day a week on the game, so hopefully we'll be able to ramp it up next year. Or try to get some funding or something to give it the extra push it needs.

- Tell us about your latest project, the one you are currently working on. Perhaps one of the most personal ones. Do you agree?

Sure! I'm writing a book about my father, who is bipolar. This is a very personal project for me. During these 2 years of work I've had to dig into my childhood memories to draw my feelings. Like the illustrations for Minimalism, the book is based on simple black and white illustrations. This book is about him and how he is dealing with his condition.

I'm currently talking to the publisher and I hope to release it in January. I'm self-publishing it, so there's still a lot of work to be done on this project.

- What advice would you give to young people, or not so young people, who are starting out in the world of illustration? Do you think they should look for their own aesthetic, like the one you have achieved, or do you think they should start by trying, copying, mixing... and then decide which style they feel most comfortable with?

It's okay to copy or look at other people's work as you try to define your own style. Here's how you can learn, but try to find "your thing" as soon as possible:

What story do you have to tell or what influences can you use?

Regarding style, I think it's quite fluid. Mine is still slowly changing. Some things just stick and become part of your style. It's an evolution. It's clear that I can draw better now than I did 5 years ago; dedicating those 10,000+ hours to your passion really works.

- At Minimalism we strive to raise awareness. Our goal is to make everyday actions such as going from one place to another, shopping, recycling or eating, as sustainable, conscious and responsible as possible. Are you aware of this in your life? How do you deal with it?

Yes, I try to be aware of the impact my actions have.

I don't have my own car, in Amsterdam we cycle everywhere. However, I still eat meat, although I try to limit it to a few days a week. I could probably do more, but I'm glad that people are becoming more conscious.

- Every illustration you create has a message, a purpose. As an artist, what is the message you would like to convey with your ideas?

I don't think there is one super message behind all my work. My illustrations are fueled by my observation of nature and curiosity. There are times when I draw scenes that don't respond to a great reflection (I like to draw dogs haha) and other times when my work has a deeper meaning, like the book about my father.

- As an illustrator, what do you think about the upward trend in purchasing NO-LOGO products?

It's interesting what logos and brands do to our identity, and how there is now a greater focus on what the product itself is.

- And finally, what do you recommend about Amsterdam?

Travelling is a bit difficult right now due to COVID, but we have a lot of great museums. My recommendation would be to grab a bike and get lost in the streets and canals of Amsterdam, or take the ferry to the EYE to explore the filmography of the Netherlands.

Pre-sale access >> "Everyday Life" by Minimalism x Timo Kuilder