With a style that’s poppy, bold, and unmistakably human, Josephine Walz has built a creative path that flows as naturally as the Atlantic waves outside her studio window in South-West France.
A freelance fashion designer and illustrator with roots in Germany’s fashion industry and a stint in New York’s textile scene, Josephine brings a rich, authentic touch to everything she creates. Guided by emotion, driven by intuition, and inspired by her daughters, friends, and artists from Warhol to Kahlo, she champions the power of hand-made beauty in an increasingly digital world.
How did you first get into the industry?
I studied Fashion Design and graduated with a diploma. I then worked in the fashion industry in Germany for several years. After a while, I worked as a freelancer. From the beginning, I was involved in creating prints for the collections alongside fashion design.
I spent a year in New York working as a freelance textile print designer. Later, after having three children back in Germany, I started my own studio, focusing on textile print design. I participated in fashion fairs like Première Vision in Paris, Comocrea, and Munich Fabric Start.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I live in South-West France by the Atlantic coast, and I work as a freelance illustrator and fashion designer. My main focus right now is illustration.
What is your personal background and what role did it play in your career?
My father recognized my creativity early on and encouraged me to pursue a career in this field.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t in the creative industry, I’d likely be surfing in the Atlantic or perhaps working as a furniture maker.
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
I seek inspiration related to the theme, often drawing from people, Pinterest, cityscapes, and I collect these inspirations in a sketchbook and on Pinterest boards. I start by sketching and creating thumbnails for the illustration, working simultaneously on color schemes and composition. I typically begin the illustration in Procreate, laying down the first sketch and color foundations.
Then, I "incubate" the theme, and often I wake up one morning with the breakthrough idea – that moment always brings me joy, it feels like a gift. After that, I refine the illustration in Photoshop or Illustrator. Photoshop is my favorite because I enjoy creating more relaxed illustrations, but sometimes I need vectors, so I use Illustrator for that.
How would you describe your style?
My style is poppy, bold, and relaxed.
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
I am mainly inspired by women – my two daughters, one of whom works as a scenographer and the other as a media designer. I also find inspiration in musicians from my circle of friends, the actress Rossy de Palma, filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, and artists like Andy Warhol, Matisse, Frida Kahlo, Picasso, Henri Rousseau, and Asian and South American textile art.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
Keep working on your portfolio, constantly, even if it seems like it’s not leading anywhere or you’re not sure if there is a goal. Also, make sure to show yourself and your work to others.
Can you share a memorable experience from your career journey that shaped your approach to creativity?
One memorable experience that shaped my approach to creativity was when I stood in front of Yves Klein's "Monochrome Bleu." Although I am generally more drawn to non-abstract art, this piece had an emotional impact on me. It was incredibly moving, and I realized that something beyond what I could explain was influencing me.
Perhaps it was the color blue, which reminded me of the ocean or the sky. Since that moment, I've become much more aware of how color can make a significant difference in illustrations. It taught me that certain elements in art can evoke emotions in a way that words or explanations can't fully capture.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
I couldn't do without a Pencil, Ink, Procreate, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Every morning, I see people and nature, and I find beauty in it, which makes me happy. Contentment is important. Actually, it's essential.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
There’s so much, but I don’t necessarily distinguish between them.
As someone with experience in the industry, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of creativity?
I think authenticity will become even more important. There are so many different styles, and they all have something interesting.
With AI becoming more prevalent, human-made creations will become more valued because you can feel when something comes from a person’s heart and not from AI.
What do you think sets apart truly exceptional creatives from the rest of the pack?
For me, authenticity is key. Anyone who feels the need to create and does so is, in your opinion, a true creative.
How do you think technology has influenced the creative industries and how have you adapted to these changes?
I think AI can be a useful tool for research, but it will never replace human creativity. I use technology like Procreate, Photoshop, and Illustrator in my process, but I still believe that the essence of creativity comes from the human heart.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
I would abolish mass production.
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
I recommend the book "Weltensammler Internationale Außenseiterkunst der Gegenwart" by Kunstmuseum Thurgau | Benteli.