Hey, guys! I’m excited to share this new interview with the puzzle artist Nathanathan Mortensen. He did several puzzles in collaboration with Ravensburger, with other projects in the work. His image was bright and cheerful, and how pleasant it was to talk to him and learn more about him! In my blog, I’m trying to find new ways to connect with the puzzle people, so my blog is evolving from puzzles and brand assessment to a deeper approach, where I try to get readers to learn more about artists as well as images.
Enjoy!
Can we learn a little about your background? Tell us about yourself!
Nathanael: I spent most of my childhood drawing at the table with my siblings. We all like to draw and share creativity. I used to paint landscapes, plants and animals inspired by the time I lived in nature. When I didn’t paint, I was exploring Rocky Mountains. As a teenager, I enjoyed playing saxphone and football with high school friends. My desire to paint burns in college. I started to focus more on colors and structures and less on small details. Soon I finished a full picture of each class. Then I started bringing larger paintings to each class until I could not find a larger canvas. After graduating from college, I started designing board games. In order to illustrate my game one day, I began to learn to draw digitally myself. A few years later, after citing several board games, Ravensburger asked me if I would like to use the puzzle. I was on the moon! I said yes, of course!
Me: How do you start with art for puzzles?
NathanaelIn short, I wanted to learn to draw digitally so that one day I could draw my own board game designs. While learning to draw digitally, I loved drawing bottles so much that they became my daily bootware. I was attracted by the potion because of the simple shapes I could draw in one sitting. I also enjoy drawing fiery colors and fluids. I like to study how light penetrates fluids and reflects glass. Every time I paint a drug, I work hard to make it better than I used to. It’s my work that inspired Ravensburger to connect with me.
Me: Can you tell us a little bit about the puzzles you’ve illustrated so far and what inspired your work?
Nathanael: I have illustrated a total of three puzzles, all published with Ravensburger. Two of my current puzzles, magical pesticides and fun sheep shop. My third riddle will soon be released, and I cannot wait to share it with this troubled world. The magic potion was inspired by my love of painting transparent bottles with colorful colors and many funny shapes. My lovely wife and grandfather are two sources of inspiration behind the riddle of The Happy Lamb Yarn Shop. When I was a child, my grandfather told me stories about him and his time as a sheep boy. He had many exciting adventures to share with me the time of shepherding in the high mountain. My wife and her woven love inspired me to paint the cloth store. Our house is filled with beautiful threads with all colors!
How do you do the images? The number?
NathanaelI drew each puzzle on a Wacom tablet in Adobe. Sometimes I sketch with pencils in my personal sketchbook, but most of the time I use computers.
Me: Your artwork is published in other forms than riddles, and if so, which form?
Nathanael: I have the privilege of drawing many illustrations for the game community, including my own.
Me: Do you like to do puzzles? Do you have a favorite brand?
NathanaelI grew up with a large family who loved puzzles. We used to solve the puzzles in the winter and would let them out for days while we slowly put them together piece by piece. I continue to love building puzzles, and I hope to do more. My favorite puzzles artist is Demelsa Haughton. I like every puzzle she makes. Her work is amazing, each of which resembles the symphony of lovely stories. My favorite puzzle label is Ravensburger!
Me: How do you see your work evolve and how has it evolved since the beginning?
NathanaelMy art is growing. I was greatly blessed to work with a great group in Ravensburger North America, who forced me and directed me to create the best pieces. I learned a lot about illustration of the puzzle from Ravensburger. It is important to remember that when you illustrate a riddle, your illustration will be divided into a thousand pieces, then mixed into a small box. I illustrate every detail hoping it would create an interesting experience.
What is your plan for the future project?
NathanaelI hope to start working on my fourth puzzle after the fall with Ravensburger.
Personally, I’m thrilled to see his next project. We wish him all the best and thank him for taking the time to share his story with us!