028- Danii Pollehn
In the latest episode of “The 13th Hour,” we’re excited to introduce Danii Pollehn, a talented illustrator from northern Germany now making her mark in Lisbon, Portugal. Danii’s work is bold, dynamic, and unmistakably unique—her digital illustrations are brought to life with vibrant colours and striking compositions. With a background in fashion design and an eye for experimentation, she works across editorial projects, campaigns, packaging, and app illustrations, infusing each piece with an energy that’s as captivating as it is versatile.
Danii’s journey is one of resilience and adventure. After studying fashion in Berlin and Hamburg, she moved to Canada and later embarked on travels across the U.S. and Southeast Asia. Her adaptability and drive are evident in her work, which she views as both an artistic pursuit and a personal testament to growth. For Danii, the future is full of possibilities. She dreams of seeing her art displayed in Times Square or featured in fashion collaborations, and she’s eager to connect with projects that carry deeper meaning and impact. Join us as we dive into Danii’s world, exploring the creative spirit that fuels her passion for art and the extraordinary journey that has shaped her into the artist she is today.
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’m an illustrator from northern Germany, currently based in Lisbon, Portugal. I create bold, graphic digital illustrations for international clients across a range of mediums, including editorial projects, campaigns, packaging, and app illustrations. I also love exploring new media, such as paper and markers or textiles!
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 was born in northern Germany and have always loved drawing. After school, I moved to Berlin to study fashion design, completing my studies in Hamburg. I had a brief but beautiful stop in Cologne before moving to Canada for a year, followed by over six months of travel through the U.S. and Southeast Asia. I continued living in Berlin and Hamburg until we made the big move to Portugal just two years ago. Now I live in Lisbon, which is amazing, and for the first time in a long time, a place is starting to feel like home again! I have a background of chronic illness and faced a few health complications in my youth, which can be challenging, but I’m dedicated to moving forward with resilience and a deep sense of purpose. Each challenge has fuelled my creativity and adaptability—strengths I bring to every project. I’m committed not only to creating impactful work but also to building connections with clients who value determination and the drive to overcome. I believe these experiences make me a stronger, more insightful creator.
3 - How would you define your creative style? Has it evolved or undergone any changes over time?
My style is colourful, loud yet also shy, dynamic, and unapologetic. It is always changing and evolving, as we do as humans. As we learn and grow, so do our practices and styles, which I think is beautiful. Personally, I’ve gone through some drastic style changes in the past, and I think it’s amazing. I love the thrill of something new evolving and surfacing; it usually motivates me greatly and kick-starts my creativity!
4 - Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you transform an idea into a tangible piece of work?
When creating for myself, I love to start without any specific ideas and let my intuition and feelings take over. I try different things and see what feels “right,” following my own flow. I also love working for clients and finding inspiration in their brief. I’m a strong believer in collaboration and always start by researching the topic and then sketching down initial ideas. Often, the first sketches are the strongest in terms of ideas and composition, and I refine them from there. My favourite part is bringing the sketch to life with colour; I could literally spend hours finding the right contrasts and combinations.
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 find my inspiration in everyday life—the spontaneous interactions and moments that happen naturally and evoke feelings. Observing people, emotions, and the little surprises in daily routines often spark ideas and fuel my creativity. Growing up, it wasn’t specific artists but those authentic, human experiences that continue to shape my work. It’s those moments that remind me of the beauty in the ordinary and keep my approach fresh and connected.
6 - What advice would you offer aspiring creatives looking to establish themselves in the industry?
Try to stay true to yourself; ask for advice but also listen to your gut! Not everything that worked for others will work for you and vice versa. Believe in yourself no matter what, but also be honest with yourself about your progress. Lastly, do the work and never stop or give up—take breaks, but come back to creating (even when it feels horrible and you think you’re not getting anywhere!). Sometimes it’s about pushing through, but equally, it’s often about letting go and finding a different perspective. That’s something everyone has to figure out individually, as there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
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?
When you’re in the midst of a creative block, it can be challenging to get out of it, so I try to keep a healthy work/life balance, stay active, and avoid getting a block in the first place. I love to go surfing and have several tennis buddies in the city who are as motivated as I am to keep moving. I also try to switch things up frequently, as working in the same program with the same tools for too long can feel draining. One of the most important things is to stay offline in between—avoiding too much exposure to other people’s work. There are so many talented people creating beautiful work, and it’s easy to start feeling like an absolute failure by comparison.
8 - Reflecting on your career, could you share a standout project or collaboration that you consider a highlight? How did the opportunity come about?
One of my standout projects has to be one of my first commercial commissions! When I saw their email in my inbox and started working with them, it was the first time I felt that my dream could become reality. All my life, I’d heard that I wasn’t good enough or that I’d never be an illustrator, but those first commissions changed everything.
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?
I’m about to complete a project that will be released next spring, but unfortunately, I can’t share details yet! We’re moving houses next month, so I’m trying not to overload myself with work until the end of the year, aiming to keep a healthy work/life balance. However, I have big plans for the future and can’t wait to dive into fresh new beginnings!
10 - What has your experience been like collaborating with 13AM thus far, and what motivated you to join forces with us?
Absolutely amazing! I’m thrilled to be joining such a passionate, dedicated team. The energy here is contagious, and it’s so motivating to be part of something that everyone believes in.
11 - Looking ahead, what would be your dream project or client to tackle in the future?
There are so many things I would love to achieve! Having my work displayed in Times Square for a huge campaign would be incredible, but seeing it on packaging or clothing for big or small fashion houses is another dream. Additionally, I’d love to see my work connected to meaningful projects that can make a positive impact and help make the world a better, brighter place.
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?
As much as I’d love to meet Kurt Cobain, Hypatia of Alexandria, or any artist from the past, I think I’d trade all my invites to have more time with my father, who passed away almost 20 years ago.
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?
I’d love to witness a time in the past that could provide insight into ancient sciences, philosophies, and perhaps lost literature that influenced the foundations of much of our modern understanding. I can’t pinpoint a specific event, but I’d like to learn more about our past and how we became who we are today. Of course, scientists and archaeologists are always working on this, but some things will always remain uncertain due to missing evidence and other limitations.
