Sven Andersson

You illustrated the puzzle design “Renovation Chaos” for the
“Nordic Stories Collection.”

Tell us a little about yourself.
- I have my studio in Ljusdal, Hälsingland, where I work as an artist. I studied at Berghs School of Communication in Stockholm.

What have you illustrated before?
- Like all children, I started drawing my own exciting—I thought, anyway—comic strips at an early age. I continued drawing into adulthood, with breaks for other professions, but always with a passion for illustrated and humorous imagery. Since the early 1980s, I have worked in visual production, creating overview illustrations and technical drawings for newspapers, advertising agencies, and publishing houses.

Can you tell us about your creative process? How do you build up a design?
- What may appear to be a hastily assembled image is often the result of several sketches and reference drawings before it is colored and sent to my clients.

What is important for an illustrator to consider when creating a puzzle design?
- I think puzzle designs should contain many vibrant events, along with humor and lively environments—something that makes every commission stimulating. It makes every working day an adventure for me!

Do you have any thoughts on the importance of humor for people's well-being?
- Perhaps not everyone is fortunate enough to go to work happily every day. But with a little humor and perspective on life's fatalities, the day becomes easier. I hope that, in some small way, I can contribute to that through my creations.

This design is also available as a coloring book.