HAND PAINTED ARTWORK ON EVERY MOGLI PACKAGE
- AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTIST MICHAELA SURNER
The cuddly hippopotamus, the proud lioness and the funny parrot: these and other animal illustrations turn the packagings of MOGLi into small works of art. The animals were all painted by hand by the artist Michaela Surner. She reveals in an interview how much passion and love goes into each picture and why MOGLi fits particularly well with the philosophy of the cheerful Lower Bavarian artist.
Michaela, your animal drawings give MOGLi's packaging its characteristic charm. How did it come about?
In 2017,I received a call from Emanuel Schmock, the founder of MOGLi. He had discovered my animal drawings on the internet and wanted to present the idea for the packaging to me. At first, I was totally surprised. But after I had a closer look at the brand, I knew: This fits. And then it started right away with the first drawings.
Do you remember the first animal you drew for us?
Yes, it was a bear. You can see him on the Coconut Biscuits und dem Pouch Blueberry Banana zu sehen.
And how does such a job work in concrete terms?
At thebeginning there is usually a rough idea of what animal should be drawn in which position. As a basis, your graphic department and I then send animal images back and forth and exchange a lot of ideas. The preliminary discussions are important to give each animal its unique expression. All the animals have one thing in common: they have positive charisma and body language.
That also goes particularly well with your art, doesn't it?
Yes, exactly. I grew up very close to nature on a small farm and have always been in close contact with animals. In my paintings, I try to capture many emotions in the animals' expressions, awakening positive feelings in the viewer. This positivity is also important for MOGLi as a children's brand. That was also the reason we decided to use watercolor.
Can you explain why watercolor is particularly suitable?
The special thing about watercolor paintings is that the picture has to be built up slowly and at some point it can no longer be painted over. This is different with acrylic paint, for example. This makes watercolor paintings snapshots that cannot be improved on anymore at some point. But this also makes them look particularly light and friendly.
Do you have drawings that you like better than others?
There is really a lot of passioninevery drawing. When I finish a painting after days, I always feel connected to it. Animal painting is simply what moves me every day and I am very proud to be able to paint for MOGLi. But my absolute favorite is the hippopotamus, because it looks especially sweet and seems so good-natured.
When did you discover your talent for painting?
Like many painters, I started painting a lot when I was a child. It's just always been part of me. I took various courses and continued my education at art academies. Because painting is also a craft for me: If I want to put something on paper, I have to know beforehand the best way to do it.
What advice do you have for parents who also discover an artistic urge in their children?If a talent is recognized, then it should definitely be encouraged, because it is so much a part of the personality. For example, I offer vacation programs for children – they are actually available in every region. But a coloring book, and beautiful pencils or paints also give children the feeling they can develop their talents.
Thank you, Michaela Surner, for the interview.
Learn more about Michaela on her Website, Instagram, Facebook or contact her by Mail.
