The series LOOK WHO MADE IT is designated to create a space where I introduce and interview creative minds that I admire. People that work in the creative field, as Makers and Doers.
If you’d like to be featured or know somebody I should introduce, please let me know. You can write me here.

You hear of the best people through other people. That’s how I found out about Susanne Bauer. Her brother visited my boyfriend and me and told us all about his fantastic sister. So I checked her out online and I fell in love with her paper goods. They are created with so much love to detail and such precision – it’s a treat just to look at them. Imagine writing all your thoughts in a noteboook like this. The ideas are bound to be great!

LOOK WHO MADE IT: paper designer Susanne Bauer | LOOK WHAT I MADE ...

Naturally I was drawn to this picture of a koala that reminds me of my holiday in Australia. So it’s just the next step that I ask her about how she became a paper designer and what drives her.

1 | You work as a paper designer: what drove you to do so?
As i studied communication design I had two internships in the “paper business”. First I was working at a bookbindery and gain insights on how to handle paper the right way. I also learned a lot about the traditional techniques of the handcraft. After that I was working at an agency who is specialized in planning the production of printed goods. This made it clear to me that I have to work intensively with the medium paper.

2 | How are you working creatively? Tell me more about your working process.
I´m very excited about illustrating only with paper. I use techniques like cutouts or laminating to shape objects, images or patterns. I also work digital to make my first draft but after that it’s only handy work and that’s the part I love the most.

LOOK WHO MADE IT: paper designer Susanne Bauer | LOOK WHAT I MADE ...

3 | Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
I think my inspirations are the nature, everyday life, special materials, reduced and clear shapes and pretty color combinations.

4 | You use old material and new ones? With what do you love to work the most?
Most of the time I work with new bright and colorful paper because in some fields its better to work with strong material. But I also try to add recycled paper in the production of the backs of books or packaging. In addition to the sustainability part it’s a quite nice combination.

5 | Who or what is your biggest influence?
I think my biggest influence is my mom. She does papercuts since I can remember. But she works in a very traditional way with only a scissor and thin black paper while I am working with colorful thick cardboard and tools like cutters and plotter.

LOOK WHO MADE IT: paper designer Susanne Bauer | LOOK WHAT I MADE ...

6 | What do you love the most about your creative business?
You can work from everywhere and you explore something new in every project. I think it never ges boring.

7 | What were the first steps you took to be where you are today?
I think it was the right decision to found papragout because it means free space for me. It allows me a better balance between free work and work for clients.

8 | Could you give some practical advice to someone who’s just starting out or considering becoming a paper designer?
I think it´s important to try a lot and see a lot. After working a while you will find through this discovery phase your colors, your techniques, your material and your style.

LOOK WHO MADE IT: paper designer Susanne Bauer | LOOK WHAT I MADE ...

9 | With what did (do) you struggle the most?
Its very hard for me to advertise and sell my products. I´m not shy but i´m not really good at selling.

10 | What’s next? Any plans for new projects?
I´m looking forward to new exciting projects for papragout and for our clients in the studio.

 

If you like Susanne’s design as much as I do, visit her shop. Just browse through the fantastic images of animals she makes. Such an inspiration!

Now. Carry on!

 

All images by Susanne Bauer