Based in Budapest, Enikő Eged is a graphic designer and illustrator whose work brings together bold color, playful forms, animals, and recurring patterns. Before studying graphic design at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, Enikő studied Hungarian literature and philosophy, an interdisciplinary background that feels at home in work shaped as much by mood and narrative as by visual language.
Drawing is part of Enikő’s everyday life. Ideas often arrive at bedtime, beginning as notes or sketches before moving from paper to her tablet. Her work is intuitive and expressive, balancing simplified, sometimes abstract forms with a familiar feel. Animals are a constant source of inspiration, as are the emotions and experiences surrounding each piece.
We spoke with Enikő about her creative practice, the animals that inhabit her work, her enduring zeal for the color orange, and what it feels like to see her illustrations take on an entirely new scale as wallpaper.
Can you share a little about your creative background?
I finished my studies at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts three years ago, where I learned graphic design. Before that, I studied Hungarian literature and philosophy at another university. I didn't really know what my artistic background was. I just always expressed myself with visual tools, so it was kind of a natural choice that, after a while, I ended up at an art university.
What does your artistic practice look like on a daily basis?
I draw almost every day because otherwise I just get frustrated or anxious. It's really a kind of need. Usually, I collect my ideas in my notebook or sketchbook. I also come up with a lot of compositions or ideas before I fall asleep. It's a nice meditation process that helps me fall asleep, because otherwise it's a bit difficult for me. Besides my commissions, I'm always looking for free time during my day when I can just draw. Usually, I start with a paper-based sketch and then continue it on my iPad in Procreate. Sometimes I have time for painting, and I hope next year I will paint more because I really feel the need to work more with analog techniques.
What kind of painting are you drawn to?
My favorite is acrylic, and it would be nice to learn to paint with oil as well. At university I didn't learn painting, only graphic design and classic graphic arts. I like bold and heavy textures, and I create those kinds of textures on my iPad too. I think I will continue that visual narrative on canvas as well. I really want to paint at a large scale, which is also why I'm excited about this collaboration. It will be super nice to see my work at that scale.
Animals appear throughout your work. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the rabbits and birds in your Artscape collection?
The rabbits came from the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. That was the occasion for the rabbit illustration, but basically, I love drawing any kind of animal. The bird came from a summer when I started every day with a bird drawing. It was really experimental, a bit like automatic drawing. I would wake up, imagine how I felt, and just make a quick bird sketch. I ended up with a lot of bird sketches. This one is still one of my favorite bird illustrations. I also really love the spotted pattern you can see on the bird. I've used that pattern in a lot of different illustrations. It's a recurring motif in my work.
Where do you find inspiration?
Mostly outside. My home is my studio at the moment, and I have three cats, two dogs, and two horses in the countryside, so I'm surrounded by animals. I think they are my main source of inspiration. My emotions and mental state are also important. I can use those as a source when I really want to express something, so that's integrated into the work as well.
How do color, texture, and pattern play into your work?
I love to experiment with different graphic languages, like different line strengths or textures for shading. I've realized that I won't choose just one graphic language because I'm not able to do that. Color has always been the thing that stays consistent in my work. I've had my color palette for four or five years now, and it gives a coherent look to everything. Of course, sometimes I try new contrasting colors, but I keep coming back to this palette. It's similar with patterns. I have recurring patterns, especially the spotted pattern, that I can bring into different illustrations.
Is there a color you find yourself returning to again and again?
Definitely warmer tones. My ultimate favorite is this dark orange, or strong orange. It's almost red. I've loved using it for years now, so I think it's my favorite. It's also really nice when I'm thinking about interiors because it works with different orange objects in the same space. We had a photo shoot recently, and it was really nice to find one or two orange objects and put them into the space with the work. They all worked beautifully together.
What kinds of spaces do you imagine your wallpaper designs living in?
I think they can fit into a lot of different styles because of the abstract visual language. My favorite interior style at the moment is something like "new cottage" or "new folk." I'm not very familiar with interior trends, but that's my personal favorite. I imagine my work in family homes or creative spaces.
Is there a dream space where you'd love to see your work?
I don't think I have one special place. I'm really happy when I receive photos from restaurants or cafés with my art. It's such a lovely and heartwarming feeling. I also love when I see my work in family homes and people send me pictures saying, "We love your illustrations so much." I think I just love that feeling of seeing the work living somewhere.
How do you think about sustainability in relation to your work and the things we bring into our homes?
Of course it's important to me. I'm super happy when I can collaborate with brands that take the question seriously, especially with fashion brands, but also with art prints or wallpaper. I think buying art for the home is a kind of privilege, and it's a really small scale compared with something like fast-fashion waste. That's my honest opinion. But I'm always happy when someone chooses a quality art print rather than something mass-produced. Sustainability is important, and I'm happy to work with brands that are thinking seriously about it like Artscape.
Finally, what has it been like collaborating with Artscape?
It went super nice and easy. It was lovely, and I just can't wait to see the outcome in real life.
Explore Enikő Eged's collection.
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