interview with #graphicrecorder : Thomas Fiedler

Tom Fiedler 

Tom Fiedler s artwork 

Thomas Fiedler. Graphic Recorder, based in Berlin, Germany. and this is our interview with him, last month. Check it out. 

When did you start as a graphic recorder?

In 2018, I received my first request for a graphic recording. I had already heard of the method but never tried it before. So I started practicing with youtube on the corridor wall of my house. The graphic recording then took place 6 months later - and it went great :-)

Describe your style.
Although I can jump into a session and improvise, I like to be prepared. Usually, I plan a layout and metaphors before to illustrate an event as good as possible. I tend to use a cartoon style and funny elements (eg. animals, animated objects, exaggeration). I want people to smile and discuss when they see my work.

When you are working, do you discuss or exchange ideas with your colleagues?
Yes, as often as I can - I still learn and benefit from the exchange with others. I participate in meetups of EVP (European Visual Practitioners), our German graphic recording network and the local VizThink community. Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn are also great platforms to exchange ideas.

Which of your projects has given you the most satisfaction?
Last year I did a collaboration with junior illustrators. Together, we did a graphic recording at a preparation meeting for the world climate summit. We inspired each other with creative ideas and had enough time to work out details. Usually, graphic recording is a one-man show. But working in a team was much more fun. (I attached some photos you are free to use if you want).

You must get a lot of offers for collaboration, how do you decide which ones you want to take on.
I still have a part-time job as a consultant - so I can do one, sometimes 2 recordings a week. If I get more requests than I can handle, I use three criteria: (1) Does the subject concerns me and my values? (2) Is there freedom or a chance for development as a professional artist? (3) Is the price fair? 
Usually the judgement is easy.

What did you want to be when you were a child?
Cartoonist! I always liked to make people laugh. And cartooning was a way to make jokes and to live my other passion: drawing.

What books do you read most?
Most of my books are non-fiction: illustration, economy, social matters, psychology, education etc. But to be honest, I just look at cartoon books most of the time.

What are you afraid of regarding the future? What are you optimistic about?
I am concerned that because of Corona it will take long till I can do graphic recording as before. 
However, I use the lockdown to work on my skills and to try new techniques. I think there is still an increasing need to illustrate our world in a cool stimulating manner. And graphic recording can deliver an eye-catching contribution.

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20 April 2020

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