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Matthias Schardt

Matthias Schardt
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As an illustrator, Matthias took a somewhat unusual path. Like many of his colleagues, he doesn't come from graphic design or directly from illustration, but from art. He studied fine art in the painting department at the art academy in Düsseldorf and only later switched to the applied art of illustration. The intensive engagement with painting and art, both in practical and theoretical questions, continues to shape his illustrations to this day.

Painting has now taken a back seat in favour of drawing. An important tool is the pencil in all its variants, but also drawing with ink. If the drawing needs to be coloured, he likes to add watercolour or gouache. When it comes to commissioned work, you usually don't want an original, but rather a digital graphic that can be reproduced in one way or another. Then he usually works with Photoshop on the graphics tablet. Stylistically, he stays as close to analogue drawing as possible.

One of his strengths is dramatic picture narratives with a focus on depicting people. He is therefore often commissioned by newspapers or magazines to illustrate reports. Other areas of application include posters, storyboards, character development and animations. The demand for moving images has also increased significantly in recent years. For example, some animations for documentaries were created for German television.

A very special project was an animation for a permanent exhibition in the Munich Palace of Justice. She tells about a trial against members of the “White Rose” and their brutal conviction by the judiciary under National Socialism.

Occasionally his skills as a classical draftsman are in demand, for example he is booked for company events. Here he sits with pencil and paper and portrays people, sometimes directly on the wall.

For further insights into his work, please read his interview with us.

As an illustrator, Matthias took a somewhat unusual path. Like many of his colleagues, he doesn't come from graphic design or directly from illustration, but from art. He studied fine art in the painting department at the art academy in Düsseldorf and only later switched to the applied art of...
„Very nice advice and mediation from your side - great cooperation with Matthias, he delivered quickly and very creatively. I am very happy with the result, my frahling as well.“
Dr. Michael Behrendt, Author