Vladimir Hadzic creates vibrant and invigorating illustrations, utilising a wealth of graphic detail, very fine lines, and striking colour combinations. His compositions dance around brutal and abstract themes, creating a sense that the viewer is floating through images of traps, doors, chains, platforms and odd shapes. Some of his posters read as busy and bright instructionals - it is quite amazing how Vladimir manages to harness chaotic compositions in such a controlled and elegant manner. We were lucky enough to catch him to spare a few words about his practice for us.
What is your working process like, and how do you come up with concepts?
My working process is currently quite spontaneous as I find myself feeling most comfortable when I don’t plan out my work too much. I often feel my creative process changing slightly from time to time which is something I try to embrace as well.
What kind of topics does your work explore?
Most of my ideas stem from personal thoughts and emotions I am experiencing at that particular time. I usually choose a topic I want to explore and try to let the idea itself guide me as much as possible.
Tell me about a moment where a situation in your life guided your work into a certain direction.
I can't actually pinpoint one exact moment, but I remember feeling gradually more comfortable with my personal work and feeling more free to explore different topics. It is something that often comes naturally and I try to go with it.
Is there anybody who has been a major influence on your style?
I admire vector-based work very much and there are many artists whose work I quite enjoy, such as Ori Toor, Peter Judson... The work of Giorgio de Chirico is something I also appreciate very much.
What are your next goals as an illustrator?
I mostly just want to work on my own projects as much as possible. It’s where I feel most comfortable. I am currently working on a bigger personal project which I am very excited about! It will be a series of abstract pieces inspired by mechanisms and the importance of transformation.
Tell me about a piece you are really proud of and why.
I am often more happy with the process, rather than a piece itself. Looking back on my previous work, I am usually not too happy with how something turned out, but I try to use that to my advantage.
What do you do when no inspiration is hitting you?When I feel lost with a piece I'm working on, I usually just scrap it at that point and try to work on something completely new.