Sarah Timmermann is a comic artist and nursing student from Germany. She dreams to make art as her main career and make a living of it.
Recently Arifur Rahman from Toons Mag talked to Sarah Timmerman, Let’s know more about her.
Arifur Rahman: What was your childhood dream to be?
Sarah: I always wanted to be a nurse, stepping into my mother’s footsteps. But I’d always tell her (joking) that I wanted to be an artist. Well, here I am, kinda both.
Arifur Rahman: Who is your inspiration in the world of arts?
Sarah: A huge inspiration was a good childhood friend of mine, who is such a creative mind and I always wanted to be like her. We spent a lot of time drawing together. I’m sad we lost contact.
Arifur Rahman: What is the typical daily work plan of an illustrator/artist?
Sarah: Well, as being an artist is only my hobby, I have another full-time job for most of the day. But I can say that I spend most of my free time drawing or looking for inspiration. Oh and don’t forget the snacks! ;D
Arifur Rahman: Which genres of cartoons you like to draw?
Sarah: Really enjoy drawing comedy, but the mystery is also one of my favorites. (Maybe that’s why I started my mystery comic series…)
Arifur Rahman: Who is your favorite cartoonist?
Sarah: Difficult question. I don’t have a favorite. Everyone who can make me laugh or cry through their work is my favorite. BUT if I had to choose, it’d be Ben Hed.
Arifur Rahman: Difference that you want to see in the cartoons after 10 years from now on?
Sarah: Improvement and passion. I want to see that the cartoons improved but did not lose the passion that comes with creating them.
Arifur Rahman: Difference between old and new generations cartoon?
Sarah: I think newer cartoons handle more difficult topics that nobody would’ve dared to talk about them. Also, technology and options have improved so much. Cartoons are not limited to pen and paper anymore.
It is my dream to make art as my main career and make a living of it.
Arifur Rahman: Did you ever feel gender discrimination in this field?
Sarah: I actually haven’t experienced something like this before, so I can’t tell you anything about it.
Arifur Rahman: New software or applications has made this profession more lucrative. Do you agree?
Sarah: It’s true that things become easier and easier, they give a lot more options to choose from. Helpful to find what suits oneself best.
Arifur Rahman: Do you feel in the future, illustration or other artworks will be more competitive?
Sarah: Yes. Like (almost) everything you can buy at the supermarket, for example, had at least one artist working on it (designs of packaging, etc.). Also, entertainment needs artists. People want to be entertained and the offers are getting bigger and bigger.
Arifur Rahman: Did you ever work as a freelance illustrator?
Sarah: Besides doing paid drawings and commissions (which is not very much), I have not worked as a freelance artist yet.
Arifur Rahman: Any advice that you want to give our struggling young artists?
Sarah: Keep going! I know it may feel frustrating, but as time passes, the skill will improve. My first drawings looked like they were drawn by a blindfolded toddler! Keep your goals in mind and work hard!
Co-writing Hasnat Ara Zaman, Follow Sarah at Instagram
