Ok, so you like cactuses. How did ‘Cactus Tekenings’ start?
“I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. Together with my friend and former colleague Pim van Bommel I used to come up with ideas for crazy illustration projects. It started out with a cactus that was always wet, even in the desert. We have had some great feedback from colleagues – they thought it was really funny – so we created a series with cactuses and word jokes. Within no time we’d come up with twenty jokes, a Facebook page and an Instagram account: Cactus Tekenings was born.”
Can you choose a favourite one from the bunch?
“That is hard, there are so many! But I think I will go with the Rivièra Maison cactus, that was a difficult one to match.”
Next to the sketches, you’ve also launched an Etsy shop.
“Yes, when our social media started to grow, we received lots of questions from people that wanted to buy a print. That is how our idea started to sell the handmade drawings in a limited edition of 25. Way better than a print, right? They’re not all in the shop yet, but you can request a ‘custom order’ with the name of the cactus you like. Next to that, we sell tote bags with the matching name Cactas. We’re really happy with our fan base, last week I even sent my first order to the US!”
When creating so many cactuses, where do you get your inspiration from?
“Collecting the ideas and to come up with new ones is a quick process, the actual drawing takes longer. Especially because we also receive requests online that we try to create. Throughout the year I save a long list with cactus jokes on my phone, that way I’m never short on inspiration.“
You might get tired of all the cactuses after a while….
“Yes, for sure. Luckily we have a new project coming up as we are working a magazine. Pinda Magazine.”
Cactus Tekenings is on show at Werkplaats from January 8th to February 4th. Free entrance, so drop by during on the opening or afterwards. More info? Check out www.facebook.com/tekenings.
