Anne Albert: ‘I constantly ask myself how I can distill an idea visually’
Known for her bold shapes, limited color palettes, and graphic simplicity, Anne Albert creates illustrations that communicate complex ideas with clarity and personality. Her work spans editorial, commercial, and cultural projects, combining strong visual concepts with a distinctive sense of style.
In this interview, Anne discusses developing her illustration style, creating editorial work, artistic influences, and how Affinity's combined pixel and vector tools have helped streamline her workflow.
Anne, how and when did you realize you wanted to become an illustrator?
As a child, and especially as a teenager, I was always looking for ways to express myself, whether through writing, drawing, photography, or singing. After school, I chose to study visual communication and quickly gravitated toward illustration. I started receiving my first commissions while still at university. Translating ideas into images and conveying my own thoughts and emotions through visuals fascinated me then, and still does today.
How did you get into editorial work?
Editorial work developed quite naturally. My style led me there. I enjoy the challenge of creating strong visual ideas within a limited timeframe. It also allows me to explore a wide range of topics, so I’m constantly learning, which keeps things exciting.
At the same time, I also love working in advertising, branding, and the cultural sector. It’s really the mix that makes it so rewarding. I love the opportunity to keep trying new things.
You have a very distinctive style. How did you develop it, and what influences you most?
It’s an ongoing process. I never feel like I’ve “arrived.” My style evolves naturally alongside me as I grow — everything is in flux, and I appreciate that. Doubt can be a powerful driver, but it’s important to keep it in check to allow room for play.
My influences come from everywhere: art, graphic design, illustration, music, literature, nature, and everyday life. You can probably sense my interests in my work. It’s a blend of many things that can’t easily be separated.
"My style evolves naturally alongside me as I grow."
Your use of scale and dimension is striking. What is your approach?
Thank you! It’s very much a continuous learning process. I aim to create a sense of dynamism while maintaining proportions that feel right to me. It’s really about experimenting and refining.
Ultimately, composition is highly intuitive. I need to feel that the way I arrange elements supports what I want to express. I focus on tension and movement, and constantly ask myself how I can distill an idea visually and even amplify it.
Does your approach differ between editorial and commercial work?
Not significantly. When it comes to commissioned work, my process is fairly consistent.
The bigger difference lies between commissioned and personal projects. Personal work tends to be more introspective, as there’s no fixed brief or deadline. It often comes with more self-doubt, but I value that process. It helps me better understand my voice and the kinds of stories I want to tell.
Maintaining a balance between commissioned and personal work is important to me, as it keeps me from drifting too far from my own visual language.
"Having both pixel and vector tools in one application has made my process much more streamlined."
When did you start using Affinity, and what do you like about it?
I started using Affinity in 2019 while looking for a more efficient workflow. Having both pixel and vector tools in one application has made my process much more streamlined. I especially appreciate its intuitive interface and ease of use. It’s become an essential part of my workflow.
If you could illustrate for any publication, which would it be?
There are certainly dream projects many illustrators share, like working for The New York Times or creating artwork for the Google homepage, but I prefer to stay open and explore as many different opportunities as possible. Although, illustrating a record cover would definitely be a dream.
Who inspires you in the creative world?
There are many creatives who inspire me. I wouldn’t necessarily call them heroes, but they’ve had a strong influence. Among them are American graphic designers like Saul Bass, Bauhaus artists such as Gunda Stölzl and Alma Siedhoff-Buscher, and painters like Picasso and Matisse. I also admire illustrators from the former GDR, including Manfred Bofinger and Hans Ticha.
I’m fascinated by Ernst Haeckel’s detailed drawings, as well as contemporary artists like Olimpia Zagnoli, Zack Rosebrugh, Geoff McFetridge, and Hvass & Hannibal, whose work combines simplicity with strong visual impact.
Are there any dream projects you’d like to pursue in the future?
Last year, I created my first mural, and I’d love to continue working on larger-scale projects. As much as I enjoy digital work, I also need to step away from the screen and create something with my hands. I’m very interested in interdisciplinary work — exhibitions, products, branding, murals. There are many directions I’d like to explore.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring freelance illustrators?
Focus on what makes you unique rather than constantly comparing yourself to others. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential for developing your own visual language.
Stay creative, stay consistent, and believe in yourself while remaining open to reflection and constructive feedback.
