A BIT ABOUT ME
Hi! Nice to have you here!
I'm Franzi Kesse, an illustrator and surface pattern designer living in Cologne, Germany.
With a big love for all things floral and natural, I enjoy depicting the world in a colorful, fun, and naive way. As an artist, I’m known for stylized illustrations and bold floral patterns.
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If you’re looking for playful pattern designs and illustrations or have an idea for a custom-made design for your products, feel free to contact me. My artwork is available for licensing and new commissions and collaborations are welcome.
WHAT INSPIRES ME
My design is instantly inspired by nature: by flowers, plants, animals…you name it. I use all my creative efforts and sustainable actions to create a product that works with the environment, not against it.
I may not save the world by painting and drawing, but I believe designers can make a difference in where and how we use our talents.
HOW I BECAME A SUSTAINABLE DESIGNER
I grew up in the country and in my early childhood I was constantly drawing or knitting, if I wasn’t playing in the garden or literally climbing a tree.
Since I was little, I knew I wanted to work creatively also as an adult as well. So I moved to a bigger city to study fashion and graphic design.
During my first impressions in the conventional field of the fashion industry I realized that I wasn’t as happy as I had expected. After seeing how things were done behind the scenes, I couldn’t quiet be proud of what I was doing.
So I started working at Armedangels, one of the most sustainable fashion brands I know so far. Here I worked for almost 6 years as a senior designer being responsible for the artwork and knitted womenswear collection.
Since 2020 I have been working hand in hand with several sustainable brands and I am super proud of what we can achieve together.
A SPECIAL MOMENT IN MY CAREER
The first time I was visiting a factory where several hundred of my designed sweaters were produced. There I realized how much effort, material and working hands are truly needed in the whole production process.
I was overwhelmed, got really nervous and crossed my fingers that people will like and wear it. I was hoping that my design would be good enough to be worth all the material and energy.
From that very moment I truly understand the impact we have on the environment and that designers can be a catalyst for a positive change.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY JOB
It may sound a bit cheesy or way too spiritual, but strictly speaking my job is more like an exciting journey. It feels like a backpacking trip across a creative environment where I can follow my passion – solving problems, bringing joy to others and making the world a little bit more beautiful.[ES1]
The greatest value is the opportunity of continuously drawing, painting and working creatively - it never gets boring.
I love the variety of skills that my job entails. Just as every season has its unique characteristics, so does every customer have his own individual requirements.
Due to the diversity of these needs, my work demands flexibility and at the same time allows me to continuously expand my skills and expertise.
I love my job because everyone in it shares the same vision and is fully dedicated to the mission of truly creating beautiful and sustainable products.
LET ME INSPIRE YOU
In my newsletter I am sharing with you what inspires me, what I found out on my lastest trend research and my newest work releases.