In the twelfth chapter of the “13th Hour," we explore a dialogue with Ellis Van Der Does, the Dutch artist who transports her viewers to “Illustration Wonderland,” a 2D graphic universe teeming with diverse textures and vibrant colors.

Throughout our conversation, we delve into Ellis’s progression in to motion design and discover her wellsprings of inspiration drawn from literature and museums. Moreover, we gain a captivating glimpse into her ongoing project centered on sustainable design, alongside reflections on past endeavors touching on themes like mental health, diversity, and feminism. This interview adds another layer of intrigue to our 13th hour series.

1 - At 13am, we aim to celebrate and showcase a broad range of creative roles, disciplines and skillsets. How would you describe yourself and your role within the creative world to those unfamiliar with your work?

I’d like to take viewers on a trip to 'Illustration Wonderland' with Ellis D. If you come along, you’ll enter a 2D graphic universe filled with various textures and vibrant colors. There will also be some animated works.

2 - Another aspect that sets 13am apart is our commitment to diversity and representation among our artists. Could you share a bit about your background and where you call home?

I grew up in a smaller town 20 minutes from Utrecht (a city in the Netherlands) and moved to the big city when I started art school. After finishing my BA in Illustration, I moved to London to obtain a master's degree and ended up living there for 5.5 years. Since 2020, I’ve been back in the Netherlands, this time calling Amsterdam home.

3 - How would you define your artistic style? Has it evolved or undergone any changes over time?

As mentioned above, my style is 2D, colorful, and has some texture. Over time, it has definitely evolved; it would be weird if it had not, as you keep learning new things. Also, I started animating my work more frequently a few years ago.

4 - Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you transform an idea into a tangible piece of work?

It always starts with sketching for me. I make some little scribbles that might not look like anything to anyone else but give me an idea of where the concept is going. I pick one or two ideas that I then develop into a more detailed sketch that I can show to friends, family, or clients (depending on whether it’s a passion project or commissioned work). I then develop the sketch in Procreate or Illustrator, depending on the output of the project. I like to add some structures in Photoshop or animate my work in After Effects.

5 - In terms of inspiration, where do you go to find this? Who were your main influencers and inspirations as you were growing up?

I get a lot of inspiration from words. Sometimes I see a word or sentence and imagine what it would look like visually. When I was younger, my parents took me on museum trips. An exhibition of Andy Warhol’s work at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam around 2004 made a big impression on me. It was also in a temporary building, I believe an old post building that's not there anymore, which was also a cool building to visit.

6 - What advice would you offer aspiring artists or illustrators looking to establish themselves in the industry?

Develop a creative style that works for you and reach out to places that could be a good fit for your work. Think of exhibition spaces, publications, or online platforms like 13AM.

7 - Creative roadblocks affect many individuals in our field. How do you unwind and revitalize your creative energy? Are there any hobbies or passions you pursue outside of your work?

In my free time, I really like going to the cinema, meeting friends, seeing exhibitions, or going for long walks.

8 - Reflecting on your career, could you share a standout project or collaboration that you consider a highlight? How did the opportunity come about?

This is a tough one. I'm really happy with the Gelukszoekers (Happiness Seekers) card game. I had a lot of freedom, the ideas kept coming, and it just came together quite nicely.

9 - Can you provide a little insight into your current projects and any upcoming plans you have in the pipeline? Is there anything we should be looking out for in the not too distant future?

Currently, I’m working on a 5-minute-long animation for Bio-Inspired Design. They are practice-based design researchers who believe that nature has a lot to teach us about efficient and sustainable design. By studying biological systems and incorporating these principles into our designs, we can create solutions that are not only environmentally friendly but also more efficient and effective. The team I’m working with is lovely, and their message is very important.

10 - What has your experience been like collaborating with 13am thus far, and what motivated you to join forces with us?

It’s so nice that George reached out and asked me to be part of this. I really appreciate how he tries to create a worldwide community of artists.

11 - Looking ahead, what would be your dream project or client to tackle in the future?

I’m very happy with the clients that I’ve been able to work with so far and the topics they brought to me, like mental health, diversity, feminism, and bio-inspired design. In the future, I’d love to illustrate a book cover, as I love reading.

12 - To conclude on a lighter note, imagine hosting a dinner party where you could invite four individuals, living or deceased, who would they be and why?

David Hockney, love his work, love his colors and use of different mediums. Marina Abramovic, think she will have great stories and can teach me a thing or two about total concentration. Patti Smith, a legend, and nice to have a musical intermezzo between courses. Martin Parr, he can take the pictures.

13 - If you were granted the power of time travel, which historical event would you choose to witness firsthand, and what intrigues you about it?

Would love to have visited Studio 54. Maybe the bight Bianca Jagger rode in on a horse?