As new variants and increasing incidences appear, while at the same time mask mandates for public indoor spaces are lifted (…), mask upgrades and mask optimisation are once more discussed widely – and more often than not, the topic is oversimplified. Therefore, I would like to summarize our various DIY approaches to making masks safer and more efficient for the new challenges we’re all facing these days! For further information, you’ll find links in the text. ➔
After the Hybrid Pleated Mask, Hybrid Custom Masks and the Hybrid Boxy Mask, I created a Hybrid Mask Frame – as an alternative for all those who cannot breathe well with Double Masks, yet don’t find a gaplessly fitting, slip-free respirator or surgical mask. Due to a reverse pleat, this Mask Frame fits perfectly – even without nose wire! ➔
In addition to the illustrated instructions for sewing my brand new, not only gaplessly and slip-free fitting, but also very spacious Hybrid Boxy Mask, I have now created a highly detailed step-by-step picture tutorial for beginners! ➔
Now that I’ve gone through all the possibilities to customize my original Hybrid Mask for a wide range of face shapes, needs and preferences, I finally created a new cloth mask pattern with an open chin dart (or twisted pleat). Similar to 3D, Boxy, Origami, Japanese or Octagon shapes, which form a square box, the Hybrid Boxy Mask forms a triangular box which does not touch the mouth or nosetip and offers plenty of space for breathing, speaking or singing. ➔
There is something very strange in opening a newsletter and seeing your own illustration there, but after a moment of awkwardness, I’m very happy that my day and night shift illustration is featured by The Creative Finder today! ➔
Some maskers insert disposable filter materials (e.g. Filti) between the inner and outer layers of reusable cloth masks. For this reason, my Hybrid Mask has a filter opening! This offers the advantage of combining decent fit (through mask pattern) and filter efficiency (through disposable filters), but the disadvantage that filters are often complicated to insert, rarely cover the whole surface and easily slip. For me and my family, double masking, i.e. wearing FFP2 / KN95, surgical or self-stapled, same-pattern filter masks underneath, seems like a better option. Lately though, a lovely mask maker mentioned how complicated double masking is for kids, and I finally had an idea: Filter frames! ➔
Last January, when I wrote my post about Mask Science with the science behind masks, advantages and disadvantages of mask types, practical tests, tips for optimization and a note on why and how we double mask, I still hoped that the vaccine might make masks redundant in everyday life, and that this could be my last mask post. Right now, it looks like thanks to new variants, masks will stay with us for a while (…), and as many people are looking to upgrade their masks these days, I’d like to explain our double masking with the Hybrid Cloth Mask (aka Luckhaus Mask) in detail. ➔
It’s been a year since I first started testing mask patterns, having no idea that this would lead to making my own and helping the helpers! It’s been quite a ride since, and I am so thankful for how mask makers make this dark time feel so much brighter. Yet, there are days when everyday life feels so far away… and then, there’s a new pattern challenge, a license enquiry, a kind donation, or someone who thanks me in a way that’s so touching – and all of a sudden, I’m sure we’re gonna be fine. Thank you so much, Jenn, for brightening my day with your beautiful mask! <3 ➔
In Germany, the wearing of medical masks, i.e. FFP2 or surgical masks, became mandatory yesterday. Since I don’t think anyone will check certifications in public, this means that everything except cloth masks is allowed. I’d like to explain how masks work, how filter and fit determine their efficiency, and why a cloth mask ban doesn’t really make much sense to me. Furthermore, I’d like to point out solutions for a more responsible, safe and sustainable use of medical masks. One of these solutions could be wearing a cloth cover over medical masks, or double masking. ➔
We’d like to wish you very lovely, candle-lit and heartwarming holidays (and a merry Christmas, or whatever you may be celebrating!), and all the best for a truly happy, healthy and wonderful new year Twothousandtwentyone! ➔
Since I first published my pattern for sewing the Hybrid Cloth Mask, which fits gapless (even without nosepiece!) and reliably stays in place, I’ve been asked about adjustments for special shapes and needs. In this post, I introduce a selection of these customized Hybrid patterns, and every now and then (last March 8th, 2021), I add new ones! ➔
If you take a closer look, there are so many ways to attach a face mask to your ears or head! After looking into masks in great detail over the past couple of weeks and having all these little sketches for mask tying techniques on my desk, I finally drew an infographic that shows all the different ways to tie a cloth mask with ear bands or head ties. ➔
Since I first published pattern and instructions for my Hybrid Cloth Mask, which fits gapless yet roomy and reliably stays in place, I’ve been asked about making a detail tutorial for beginners and visual learners, but as a video needs at least 2-3 quiet days and a picture tutorial was possible to just make inbetween, I decided to go with that for now! ➔
For my own production, I optimized the pattern and manufacture of the cloth mask, to make it fit gapless and fog-free around nose, cheeks and chin and reliably stay in place, so it doesn’t slide up the eyes or down the nose. Individual parts such as wire, filter and ties are very easy to replace, plus the mask is quick and simple to sew, wash and iron. ➔
I reworked my secretary for an invitation card by Technische Universität Berlin. The slogan for a seminar program for administration staff, “All threads in hand!”, is “Are you still typing, or are you managing already?”. ➔
For a client who doesn’t want to be mentioned, I’ve made some drafts to illustrate the Bulgarian fairy tale “The little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds”. The project evolved in a different direction, but those drafts have led me to a new style – so I’d like to show them, even though they are unfinished and I most likely won’t finish them properly. ➔
In August, the amazing Posterlounge is celebrating its 15th birthday! I’d like to wholeheartedly congratulate them, and I’m also happy to announce that all month long, there’s a 15% discount on everything (amongst many other posters, my own illustrations, infographics und life drawings!) with the code “HAPPY15”. Btw, I’m on board for 12 years :) ➔
I’m working on some confidential projects right now, which I’m not supposed to show (yet). Meanwhile, I’m sharing some Making Of for older work – like this first draft for super heroine Barbararella, which I designed and illustrated last year for an (unpublished) column in Gruner und Jahr’s “Barbara” magazine by Barbara Schöneberger. ➔
With a little delay, here are my character design sketches for super heroine Barbararella, which I designed and illustrated last year for an (unpublished) column in Gruner und Jahr’s “Barbara” magazine by Barbara Schöneberger. My designs are based on the real person’s style as well as certain typical elements of super heroines. ➔
With a little delay, here are my styling sketches for super heroine Barbararella, which I designed and illustrated last year for an (unpublished) column in Gruner und Jahr’s “Barbara” magazine by Barbara Schöneberger. My designs are based on the real person’s style as well as certain typical elements of super heroines. ➔
For Gruner und Jahr’s develepment of Barbara Schöneberger’s magazine “Barbara”, I designed and illustrated the super-heroine “Barbararella”. The picture above illustrates a column in which Barbara punishes a guy she catched peeing while standing, while her superhero collegue in the background is already waiting for their coffeebreak… Unfortunately, the series got never published, but it was great fun to draw. Thank you very much, Judith! ➔
I just happily received my voucher specimens of the brandnew Illustratoren Organisation‘s Sedbook 2015/2016, which features my Flora im Walde as a page spread as well as my Queen of Hearts from the 52 Aces Poker Deck and the curious fairytale girls as vignettes – and the book turned out really beautiful! ➔
In february, I was so happy about the first signs of spring that I started to draw Flora, walking through the forest. Soon, there were animals gathering around her, such as foxes, squirrels, swallows, peacock butterflies, racoon, badger, hedgehog, rabbit, marten, falcon, rookie, dormouses, jaybird, magpie, woodpeckers, titmouses, robins, goldfinches, sparrows, chiffchaff, blackbirds, tree frog, bumble bees and a roe deer! ➔
Once again, I am not allowed to show any of my wonderful recent projects (yet!), so here’s some in between personal work; those are inspired by some early bloomers I discovered during the last weeks (marigolds, daisies and roses, which seem to be able to bloom under snow?!) – and full of anticipation for the approaching spring! ➔
Here they are, the “52 Aces Reloaded” poker decks by Zeixs – Books for Designers I illustrated the Queen of Hearts for a few months ago – and if you’re lucky, they’re still available! The last time I checked, there were only 92 pieces of the beautiful limited edition left, so better hurry up if you’d like to play with these cards (or hang them on your wall)! ➔
I’ve drawn another special page: the “Neighbour” for the erotic anthology “Bettgeschichten – Comics für Erwachsene”! The book will be published by Zwerchfell Verlag, right in time for the Comicsalon Erlangen in June and was edited and supervised by Naomi Fearn and Reinhard Kleist. ➔
The wonderful “52 Aces Reloaded” poker deck by Zeixs – Books for Designers, for which I felt honoured to illustrate the Queen of Hearts, is being printed now, there is an awesome website about the whole deck and you can already make a reservation for your own copy! ➔
After writing a bit about research and reasons in the post about my Queen of Hearts I made two weeks ago for the 52 Aces Reloaded poker deck by Zeixs, I would now like to show some of my decision boards and part of the evolution of this card. ➔
It’s a great pleasure for me to introduce you to my Queen of Hearts! I illustrated and designed this card for the amazing “52 Aces Reloaded” poker deck by Zeixs – Books for Designers which will be published later this year. I look very much forward to that! Right now, Zeixs are showing a preview of the cards on Facebook, and it’s exciting to see this fantastic deck grow with different styles. ➔
I just uploaded some of the sketches I made for Lily Lux’ little discovery journey to the Wild West – I liked this one in particular, but in the end travelling without leaving the room seemed to fit the subject Winnetou e.g. his genesis much better. ➔
For the wonderful anthology “Hugh! Winnetou” that will be published in celebration of the Peng!-award to Helmut Nickel as father of the Winnetou-Comics in Juni 2011 by Edition 52, I developed and illustrated a special page with Lily Lux: “Lily loves discoveries.” ➔
I’ll take part in this years sedcard campaign by the Illustratoren Organsation again, in the advertising department. The card will be sent out by IO and also available at all the fairs, exhibitions and events the IO participates. On my card you can see one of my all-time favourites: the supergirl I developped, illustrated and designed as 11 colourful panels for the jewellery chain SIX in cooperation with Hochhaus agency. The Sixgirl is used in various ways, for advertising and decoration. ➔
Sixgirl is flying out to the 3.000 SIX stores now – and we’re looking look forward to visit her in at least some of them! ➔
Sixgirl is ready: A real supergirl mit with bewitching superpowers as a shopdecoration for SIX Accessories Cologne. Soon she will fly through 3.000 shops all over Europe! ➔
Development of a Supergirl character and various poses for SIX Accessories / Beeline c/o Hochhaus. ➔
Development of a Supergirl character for SIX Accessories / Beeline c/o Hochhaus.
Character and costume design for a girl with some very special superpowers – and a small example of how I work… first of all, some rough sketches. ➔
Commission from N. Rodekamp for a tattoo with exact presets. ➔
As new variants and increasing incidences appear, while at the same time mask mandates for public indoor spaces are lifted (…), mask upgrades and mask optimisation are once more discussed widely – and more often than not, the topic is oversimplified. Therefore, I would like to summarize our various DIY approaches to making masks safer and more efficient for the new challenges we’re all facing these days! For further information, you’ll find links in the text. ➔
After the Hybrid Pleated Mask, Hybrid Custom Masks and the Hybrid Boxy Mask, I created a Hybrid Mask Frame – as an alternative for all those who cannot breathe well with Double Masks, yet don’t find a gaplessly fitting, slip-free respirator or surgical mask. Due to a reverse pleat, this Mask Frame fits perfectly – even without nose wire! ➔
In addition to the illustrated instructions for sewing my brand new, not only gaplessly and slip-free fitting, but also very spacious Hybrid Boxy Mask, I have now created a highly detailed step-by-step picture tutorial for beginners! ➔
Now that I’ve gone through all the possibilities to customize my original Hybrid Mask for a wide range of face shapes, needs and preferences, I finally created a new cloth mask pattern with an open chin dart (or twisted pleat). Similar to 3D, Boxy, Origami, Japanese or Octagon shapes, which form a square box, the Hybrid Boxy Mask forms a triangular box which does not touch the mouth or nosetip and offers plenty of space for breathing, speaking or singing. ➔
There is something very strange in opening a newsletter and seeing your own illustration there, but after a moment of awkwardness, I’m very happy that my day and night shift illustration is featured by The Creative Finder today! ➔
Some maskers insert disposable filter materials (e.g. Filti) between the inner and outer layers of reusable cloth masks. For this reason, my Hybrid Mask has a filter opening! This offers the advantage of combining decent fit (through mask pattern) and filter efficiency (through disposable filters), but the disadvantage that filters are often complicated to insert, rarely cover the whole surface and easily slip. For me and my family, double masking, i.e. wearing FFP2 / KN95, surgical or self-stapled, same-pattern filter masks underneath, seems like a better option. Lately though, a lovely mask maker mentioned how complicated double masking is for kids, and I finally had an idea: Filter frames! ➔
Last January, when I wrote my post about Mask Science with the science behind masks, advantages and disadvantages of mask types, practical tests, tips for optimization and a note on why and how we double mask, I still hoped that the vaccine might make masks redundant in everyday life, and that this could be my last mask post. Right now, it looks like thanks to new variants, masks will stay with us for a while (…), and as many people are looking to upgrade their masks these days, I’d like to explain our double masking with the Hybrid Cloth Mask (aka Luckhaus Mask) in detail. ➔
It’s been a year since I first started testing mask patterns, having no idea that this would lead to making my own and helping the helpers! It’s been quite a ride since, and I am so thankful for how mask makers make this dark time feel so much brighter. Yet, there are days when everyday life feels so far away… and then, there’s a new pattern challenge, a license enquiry, a kind donation, or someone who thanks me in a way that’s so touching – and all of a sudden, I’m sure we’re gonna be fine. Thank you so much, Jenn, for brightening my day with your beautiful mask! <3 ➔
In Germany, the wearing of medical masks, i.e. FFP2 or surgical masks, became mandatory yesterday. Since I don’t think anyone will check certifications in public, this means that everything except cloth masks is allowed. I’d like to explain how masks work, how filter and fit determine their efficiency, and why a cloth mask ban doesn’t really make much sense to me. Furthermore, I’d like to point out solutions for a more responsible, safe and sustainable use of medical masks. One of these solutions could be wearing a cloth cover over medical masks, or double masking. ➔
We’d like to wish you very lovely, candle-lit and heartwarming holidays (and a merry Christmas, or whatever you may be celebrating!), and all the best for a truly happy, healthy and wonderful new year Twothousandtwentyone! ➔
Since I first published my pattern for sewing the Hybrid Cloth Mask, which fits gapless (even without nosepiece!) and reliably stays in place, I’ve been asked about adjustments for special shapes and needs. In this post, I introduce a selection of these customized Hybrid patterns, and every now and then (last March 8th, 2021), I add new ones! ➔
If you take a closer look, there are so many ways to attach a face mask to your ears or head! After looking into masks in great detail over the past couple of weeks and having all these little sketches for mask tying techniques on my desk, I finally drew an infographic that shows all the different ways to tie a cloth mask with ear bands or head ties. ➔
Since I first published pattern and instructions for my Hybrid Cloth Mask, which fits gapless yet roomy and reliably stays in place, I’ve been asked about making a detail tutorial for beginners and visual learners, but as a video needs at least 2-3 quiet days and a picture tutorial was possible to just make inbetween, I decided to go with that for now! ➔
For my own production, I optimized the pattern and manufacture of the cloth mask, to make it fit gapless and fog-free around nose, cheeks and chin and reliably stay in place, so it doesn’t slide up the eyes or down the nose. Individual parts such as wire, filter and ties are very easy to replace, plus the mask is quick and simple to sew, wash and iron. ➔
I reworked my secretary for an invitation card by Technische Universität Berlin. The slogan for a seminar program for administration staff, “All threads in hand!”, is “Are you still typing, or are you managing already?”. ➔
For a client who doesn’t want to be mentioned, I’ve made some drafts to illustrate the Bulgarian fairy tale “The little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds”. The project evolved in a different direction, but those drafts have led me to a new style – so I’d like to show them, even though they are unfinished and I most likely won’t finish them properly. ➔
In August, the amazing Posterlounge is celebrating its 15th birthday! I’d like to wholeheartedly congratulate them, and I’m also happy to announce that all month long, there’s a 15% discount on everything (amongst many other posters, my own illustrations, infographics und life drawings!) with the code “HAPPY15”. Btw, I’m on board for 12 years :) ➔
I’m working on some confidential projects right now, which I’m not supposed to show (yet). Meanwhile, I’m sharing some Making Of for older work – like this first draft for super heroine Barbararella, which I designed and illustrated last year for an (unpublished) column in Gruner und Jahr’s “Barbara” magazine by Barbara Schöneberger. ➔
With a little delay, here are my character design sketches for super heroine Barbararella, which I designed and illustrated last year for an (unpublished) column in Gruner und Jahr’s “Barbara” magazine by Barbara Schöneberger. My designs are based on the real person’s style as well as certain typical elements of super heroines. ➔
With a little delay, here are my styling sketches for super heroine Barbararella, which I designed and illustrated last year for an (unpublished) column in Gruner und Jahr’s “Barbara” magazine by Barbara Schöneberger. My designs are based on the real person’s style as well as certain typical elements of super heroines. ➔
For Gruner und Jahr’s develepment of Barbara Schöneberger’s magazine “Barbara”, I designed and illustrated the super-heroine “Barbararella”. The picture above illustrates a column in which Barbara punishes a guy she catched peeing while standing, while her superhero collegue in the background is already waiting for their coffeebreak… Unfortunately, the series got never published, but it was great fun to draw. Thank you very much, Judith! ➔
I just happily received my voucher specimens of the brandnew Illustratoren Organisation‘s Sedbook 2015/2016, which features my Flora im Walde as a page spread as well as my Queen of Hearts from the 52 Aces Poker Deck and the curious fairytale girls as vignettes – and the book turned out really beautiful! ➔
In february, I was so happy about the first signs of spring that I started to draw Flora, walking through the forest. Soon, there were animals gathering around her, such as foxes, squirrels, swallows, peacock butterflies, racoon, badger, hedgehog, rabbit, marten, falcon, rookie, dormouses, jaybird, magpie, woodpeckers, titmouses, robins, goldfinches, sparrows, chiffchaff, blackbirds, tree frog, bumble bees and a roe deer! ➔
Once again, I am not allowed to show any of my wonderful recent projects (yet!), so here’s some in between personal work; those are inspired by some early bloomers I discovered during the last weeks (marigolds, daisies and roses, which seem to be able to bloom under snow?!) – and full of anticipation for the approaching spring! ➔
Here they are, the “52 Aces Reloaded” poker decks by Zeixs – Books for Designers I illustrated the Queen of Hearts for a few months ago – and if you’re lucky, they’re still available! The last time I checked, there were only 92 pieces of the beautiful limited edition left, so better hurry up if you’d like to play with these cards (or hang them on your wall)! ➔
I’ve drawn another special page: the “Neighbour” for the erotic anthology “Bettgeschichten – Comics für Erwachsene”! The book will be published by Zwerchfell Verlag, right in time for the Comicsalon Erlangen in June and was edited and supervised by Naomi Fearn and Reinhard Kleist. ➔
The wonderful “52 Aces Reloaded” poker deck by Zeixs – Books for Designers, for which I felt honoured to illustrate the Queen of Hearts, is being printed now, there is an awesome website about the whole deck and you can already make a reservation for your own copy! ➔
After writing a bit about research and reasons in the post about my Queen of Hearts I made two weeks ago for the 52 Aces Reloaded poker deck by Zeixs, I would now like to show some of my decision boards and part of the evolution of this card. ➔
It’s a great pleasure for me to introduce you to my Queen of Hearts! I illustrated and designed this card for the amazing “52 Aces Reloaded” poker deck by Zeixs – Books for Designers which will be published later this year. I look very much forward to that! Right now, Zeixs are showing a preview of the cards on Facebook, and it’s exciting to see this fantastic deck grow with different styles. ➔
I just uploaded some of the sketches I made for Lily Lux’ little discovery journey to the Wild West – I liked this one in particular, but in the end travelling without leaving the room seemed to fit the subject Winnetou e.g. his genesis much better. ➔
For the wonderful anthology “Hugh! Winnetou” that will be published in celebration of the Peng!-award to Helmut Nickel as father of the Winnetou-Comics in Juni 2011 by Edition 52, I developed and illustrated a special page with Lily Lux: “Lily loves discoveries.” ➔
I’ll take part in this years sedcard campaign by the Illustratoren Organsation again, in the advertising department. The card will be sent out by IO and also available at all the fairs, exhibitions and events the IO participates. On my card you can see one of my all-time favourites: the supergirl I developped, illustrated and designed as 11 colourful panels for the jewellery chain SIX in cooperation with Hochhaus agency. The Sixgirl is used in various ways, for advertising and decoration. ➔
Sixgirl is flying out to the 3.000 SIX stores now – and we’re looking look forward to visit her in at least some of them! ➔
Sixgirl is ready: A real supergirl mit with bewitching superpowers as a shopdecoration for SIX Accessories Cologne. Soon she will fly through 3.000 shops all over Europe! ➔
Development of a Supergirl character and various poses for SIX Accessories / Beeline c/o Hochhaus. ➔
Development of a Supergirl character for SIX Accessories / Beeline c/o Hochhaus.
Character and costume design for a girl with some very special superpowers – and a small example of how I work… first of all, some rough sketches. ➔
Commission from N. Rodekamp for a tattoo with exact presets. ➔
