Comic of the Month August: Cora Meyer

The talented Cora Meyer mesmerised us this month of August with her colourful and playful images. I talked to her about her career, her favourite colour, and why (hilariously,)  she is an illustrator and not a dental hygienist. 

Would you like to briefly introduce yourself and your career?

I am a freelance illustrator from Basel. I studied «Visual Communication Illustration Fiction» in 2014 from the HSLU in Lucerne. After graduating in 2014- 2017 I lectured at the INVRS School of Design where I majored in illustration and creative drawing. In 2016 I co-founded the illustration association BALSAM. The purpose of BALSAM is two-fold. One is to promote young illustrators throughout Switzerland, and the other is to create more awareness about the art of illustration itself among current generations. My last project with BALSAM, called «Kunst am Bau» (Art under construction), took place at the elementary school Münster in Basel 2020 and involved 15 other illustrators. My last group exhibition was «Pizza an der Wand, Weinchen in der Hand» (Pizza on the wall, wine in hand) with Johannes Willi and Jacob Ott, which took place at the pizzeria Bistro Sole Basel 2020. Lastly, since 2021 I create colourful and playful children's plates with the ceramist Zoe Vaistij.

Tell me about the images that come with this month's newsletter…

The selected illustrations give insight into the visual worlds that have been created on my desk over the last few years. For me, my pictures are also a bit like a resume. They speak of important moments and experiences in my life. Similar to how a smell or a song can evoke certain past events. 

Do you have a favourite image from them and if so, why?

A picture that is yet to come shows two women kissing. For me, their kiss holds an important theme: love is limitless and it's ridiculous to even question that.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

Dental hygiene fascinated me as a child. That's why my big brother had to endure his little sister rummaging around in his mouth with a fork, knife and spoon at a young age. I loved it!

How would you describe your style?

My style is colourful and playful. I used to constantly try and find my style. Or at least to find a style in general. But it is easier to form a style through free painting, unobstructed by thoughts. You can't search for a style, you can only find it.

Do you have a favourite colour?

Blue, yellow, orange and pink. It changes all the time.

Which themes are especially close to your heart?

Tolerance

Authenticity

Freedom

Where did you grow up and did that have an influence on the course of your life? And/or on your drawings?

I think personality is reflected in every creative endeavour. Impressions and people can have a big influence. My mother is an artist and has always supported me. So has my art teacher at the Steiner School. I’d like to thank them both from the bottom of my heart.

What brings you joy at the moment?

A day where everything flows.

What is the biggest challenge in your life right now?

Right now, I am at a point in my life where I think a lot about what else I want to do, which inevitably involves decision-making – not so easy.

What do you like to draw the most?

I really like drawing real-life scenes. With made-up stories, it is easy to overdo it. Stories from real life are more truthful and they can be as thrilling. There is pure brilliance in their apparent simplicity.

What can comics, cartoons and illustrations do that other media can't?

Comics, cartoons and illustration can be understood non-verbally, which makes it an extraordinary universal language. This is of course not unique to illustration, but I believe that illustration’s magic is in fact its universality.

Can you list, in a couple of words, a few of your favourite things (or moments, or experiences)?

Visiting my godchild Anouk and her brother Kasimir.

Hugs from my friend Lisa.

Hugs in general.

Simon’s help.

Good food.

Finding joy in my work.

Driving a car (I'm finally learning to do that).

And waking up thirsty and then drinking water!

What do not many people know about you? 

That I am very sensitive and that I am interested in spirituality.

Dear Cora, thank you very much for the exciting interview and I am very much looking forward to your illustrations.