Our new collab has arrived. Meet Ceizer, a Dutch typographic artist who shares his inspirations and creative process.
For the designer and typographic artist Ceizer, text is a medium in its own right. From his early years as a graffiti artist in Amsterdam to his collabs with prestigious brands, the written word has always played a major role in his work.
While we were preparing to launch our collab The Power of Words collab with the artist, we took the opportunity to sit down with him to learn more about his work and his experience with neon. Creations that encourage well-being, like the neon "Peace" and "Relax", contrast behind pieces like "Love" and "Fuck Yeah" in this collection of 6 neon lights designed in ultra limited edition. Read on to meet the artist behind these 6 exclusive creations.
Q&A
Yellowpop:
What inspires you?
Ceizer:
There are different sources of inspiration, right? And mine probably comes from others... I would say that crossing paths with people who have found their way, inspires me.
Y : What do you think about when you draw?
C : When I draw, I don't think about anything in particular. I just concentrate on the lines, on the drawing, ... I am somewhere else, far from here.
Y : How do you design your artworks (the process from A to Z)?
C : At the beginning, I put down several ideas, sketches... I let my thoughts run free! And in the next phase, I am more rational and I ask myself: " What could I do with this ? ". I think it's also a bit intuitive. It's like saying to yourself, " I feel like this could be something ". And from there, I work on my sketch more: I refine it, retouch it and reshape it.
Y : Who is your favorite artist; the one you are most obsessed with?
C : My favorite artists are Tom Wesselmann, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring and Robert Indiana. Maybe I aspire to be the new Robert Indiana!
Y : How did you get started?
C : Skateboarding has played a big role. When I was 11 years old, I started skateboarding - and that's what helped me define the person I am today. I got to meet graffiti artists. I learned a lot about sneakers, clothes, graphics, ...
I think skateboarding is a team sport. But at the same time it is very individual. There is still a kind of competition between everyone. I like this sport, it has a very nice dynamic!
Y : Did you go to art school?
C : Yes, two! Utrecht and The Hague. But I didn't go all the way... At the same time, I was starting my own business, and it was too complicated to combine school and work!
Y : What was your first work of art?
C : I come from the world of skateboarding and graffiti. I used to do graffiti and write in the streets, on streetcars and everywhere in Amsterdam. So my first artwork was more like graffiti.
Y : What is the life of an artist?
C : To be free to do what you want... To live your life according to your own rules and your own limits... That's what being an artist is all about in my opinion.
Y : Tell us in 3 words what is your art ?
C : My art is made of words, poetry and colors.
Y : These neon lights are great. Tell us about it!
C : These neons are from my latest collaboration with Yellowpop; with whom I made 6 neons. Three of them are more complete works of art with multiple colors. And then I have three more simplistic ones with one color. I have been working with neon for a few years and Yellowpop has allowed me to combine my art with light in a more accessible way.
Y : How do you work with typography?
C : Typography is kind of my art. I make messages with words. And with those messages, I create an idea, a feeling or an emotion in the reader's head.
For example, with this "LOVE", I highlighted the shadows to let the word disappear. So the whole thing became a kind of abstract work of art. But if you look at the shapes of the letters you see, you can find love.
Y : What about the neon "Fuck Yeah"?
C : Let's say it's an "enthusiasm logo"! So I created a logo that represents a feeling. I really look at the essence of things, and do my best to make it as simple as possible.
Y : What about the neon "Art"?
C : I was inspired by a work by Lichtenstein; he did several paintings with the word "ART". And I really like that simplistic approach, and that kind of double meaning. So you have art that is also called "ART". That obviousness makes this artwork just perfect. I really tried to make my own version of this idea, and I'm very happy with it. There are many colors!
Y : How did you become sensitive to the world of neon lights?
C : Living in Paris! There are neon lights everywhere, in bakeries, cafés, terraces, ...
This collaboration is a new chapter for me! A more accessible way to use neon. And also much more colorful, I think!
I believe that when you put light into something, you bring it to life.
The generic word "light" is the essence of life. No ?
It gives a certain power. And light is the origin of all energy.
Making art and mixing it with light is magic!
Y : Do you think art is a kind of escape or does it always have to be engaged?
C : Yes, for me, art is more of an escape - it's my way of not participating in society. And at the same time, art is all that occupies you because you are only thinking about your emotions, people's energies and everything that is going on in the world. And you also try not to worry about anything, to be yourself and to be free.
QUICK FIRE
What is your favorite place in Paris?
The Buttes Chaumont
Croissant or pain au chocolat?
Chocolate bread
I'll ask again. Almond croissant or chocolate bread?
Chocolate bread
What is your favorite drink in France?
Vodka, on the rocks
What is your favorite club?
The Yellow Wax
What is your favorite museum?
Pompidou, it's beautiful
Dogs or cats?
Cats
Why?
We have a cat. My girlfriend has made me a cat person!
What time do you get up in the morning?
At 7:30 am every day
Why?
Because we have a lot to do
What time do you go to bed?
Midnight
What is your favorite song?
Zoom by the Commodores. It's a great song!
The last concert you saw?
Dave Chappelle
What is your favorite word in French?
Chanmé
What is the French word you hate the least?
It's hard to hate French words
What is your favorite season here?
April in Paris
Do you prefer vacations by the sea or in the mountains?
By the sea
Do you prefer the countryside or the city?
The city
Do you prefer to drive, walk or bike?
The bike
What is missing here?
A couch. But we never rest, so we don't need a couch!
Who is your favorite actor or actress?
Maybe, Willem Dafoe
What is your favorite movie?
Amores perros, the Mexican film
The most beautiful place you have visited?
Paris
A place in the world you haven't been to, but would like to go to?
Miami
What is your favorite color?
Everything between blue and green
A color you hate?
I don't like purple, but I also use it because I work with colors I don't like! I mix it, I try things with it. And then I suddenly see what it can do. But really, I like all colors!