WOW – absolutely stunning illustrations inspired by the Tove Jansson’s Moomins. Swedish illustrator Anna Ileby has been drawing Moomin characters as a human – 13 published so far and seven more to come. Can’t wait to see the rest!
Read below Bulls Licensing’s recent interview with Anna:
Tell us a bit about yourself and your art
My name is Anna Ileby and I’m 32 years old and live in Småland, Sweden. I work as an illustrator and have been writing a blog www.annaritar.com since 2008.
I have studied in various art schools over the years. Nowadays I draw only with marker pens but before I painted also oil paintings – unfortunately I don’t have time for that anymore. I do everything “by hand” and I don’t draw anything on the computer. I love to draw the eyes’ glare, freckles, and stubble.
How did you get the idea to draw human Moomin characters?
I have had a folder on my computer for several months called “Moomin project”, but not done anything with it. But once I started, it was easy. It’s so much fun! I got the idea when I saw a similar project with the Disney Princesses. I have always loved Moomins, so for me, it felt much closer than Disney.
Are you a big Moomin fan, and if yes – why?
Oh I LOVE Moomins! I have all the books (which I have inherited from my mother), I have collected Moomin Mugs since the 90’s and my first tattoo was Little My! I like that the books are cleverly written, they are not only children’s books but more for adults. I also like that a lot of the characters are not so giggly and happy, but rather thoughtful and a little sad. There is someone for everyone to identify with.
Who is your favourite Moomin character?
When I was younger, I loved Little My and saw much about her in me, but now that I have grown older, I like Too-ticky very much. A woman who can handle herself, like to be alone and tells everything straight out. My favorite is from the book Trollvinter when Moomintroll says, “There were a lot of apples here last fall…” and Too-ticky answers, “But now here’s a lot of snow.”.
What is your favourite Moomin illustration so far and why?
I think Hemulen is the best one so far. He looks so kind and reminds old men in town you want to take home and serve a cup of coffee. Those with kind eyes.
Who was the most difficult one to draw?
Moomintroll, without a doubt! Not easy to find a human similarity with the big nose!
Which characters are you still going to draw?
It’s a secret, but there are still seven I’m going to draw, at least!
Check out Anna’s human Moomin characters and her other artwork on www.annaritar.com or on her Instagram www.instagram.com/annaritar_illustrations!
Photos: Anna Ileby