Meet Hanna Bischof | Concept Artist & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hanna Bischof and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hanna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always been interested in storytelling. I think my fascination with movie and movie making when I was a kid certainly contributed to my interest, and when I discovered that creating art for movies and video games was a career I was enamoured. Previously I had been a very STEM-oriented student, even choosing to attend a STEM high school, but the creative field seemed more exciting and challenging.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart from other artists is my style and the way I choose to tell stories through my work. I’m a big fan of wide sweeping landscapes with a more painterly style and playing into more medieval aesthetics when it comes to character design. I love emphasizing grandiose and natural environments that take the audience away into the moment I have created on the page. I also like to incorporate journaling into my character design and environment work, telling the character’s stories through the pages and the way they choose to document their experience. What excites me is getting to sit down every day and work on creating something new that tells a story. I don’t know what the story will be, and it’s always exciting to see how it reveals itself to me on the page. I’m also passionate about creating for others. When a client comes to me with an idea I love thinking of all the different ways the idea can be executed and watching it be revealed on the canvas as it unfolds is so satisfying and one of my favourite parts of being an artist.
I have definitely been met with challenges during the journey that made me reconsider pursuing this career entirely. I was unhappy with the way my work looked compared to others, and I put way too much emphasis on my social media presence. I have since done my best to create a positive relationship with social media where I don’t let the numbers define my work, or hold me back in terms of improvement. I think this is something a lot of artists struggle with in this day and age. I think the most important part of this experience is that it isn’t a one-time thing where we are one day beyond the thrill of the social media dopamine rush; it’s something that can creep back left unattended. I want to make sure I’m not letting it encroach on my life as much as it used to as I move into my post-university life and into the workforce, focusing on art that will be good in my portfolio, not on Twitter.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have actually had to think about this recently as I have had some friends visiting! If they were visiting for a week, I think on day one we would check out the downtown area of my town and go for some ramen and ice cream. Day two and three would be trips to the city, going to Midtown and Downtown for shopping and attractions. Day four and five would probably be a trip to Chattanooga where we check out the falls, lookout mountain, and spend the night there (pretend we have infinite money in this scenario). Day six would be a chilled day, maybe a walk on this wilderness trail we have by my house and a braai. Day 7 would be a relaxed day at home with some Netflix and video games.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think my parents have been the main reason I have had the confidence to pursue this career. They are immigrants who came to this country seeking a better life and have always encouraged my sisters and me to work hard and stay dedicated to our passions. When I told them I wanted to go into art they were on board from the beginning and have been my biggest supporters (and critics! They won’t hesitate to let me know if a drawing looks off or a design isn’t thought through enough). If not for their support I don’t know where I would be. They deserve a shoutout for believing in me and my career.

Website: hannabischof.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ela_vii/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-bischof-911362160/