Throughout this ongoing global pandemic, in many countries, face masks have sort of turned into a natural part of existence. For most of us, the regular mental checklist of phone-keys-wallet when leaving the house has turned into a four-item list of phone-keys-wallet-mask. Of course, some people are complaining about the situation. And while they're complaining, others are getting inspired.
Today, let's talk about the Instagram-famous designer Steffen Kraft (also known as ICONEO) who decided to integrate face masks into his illustrations. As you're about to see, some of these illustrations are literally drawn around a face mask, turning it into a completely different thing, while others are digital ones highlighting important issues or simply tickling viewers' imagination.
Without further ado, Bored Panda invites you to take a look at some of the coolest face mask-inspired illustrations by designer Steffen Kraft. Besides, we had a chance to ask the artist some interesting questions, so make sure to look for his answers as you're looking through the illustrations.
More info: Instagram
#1
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
#2
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
#3
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
"During the lockdown, it was difficult to work. I had a lot of work to do, but I felt paralyzed," the artist told Bored Panda. "I was struggling with estimating this new situation without losing my optimism. I thought I would start working again when the pandemic is over. The only thing I could do was to do corona art. I had so many ideas concerning the pandemic. To do corona art was my way to cope with this situation."
#4
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
#5
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
#6
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
When asked what his thoughts are on wearing face masks, the artist told us this: "At the beginning of the pandemic, the scientists in Germany weren't sure about the benefits of wearing face masks and it was strange to see people on the streets wearing masks. Now it is the new normal and I think it is a good and simple way to protect others."
#7
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
#8
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
#9
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
We were curious to ask ICONEO how the idea to create such a series of illustrations came to be. "The face mask is the new icon of 2020. Worldwide," the artist told us. "To do art with face masks is my way to convert a strange and scary thing into something interesting and entertaining. In some illustrations, I'm focusing on the waste problem of wearing single-use masks. They are laying on the ground like leaves in autumn."
#10
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
#11
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
#12
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
Will there be more creations surrounding this topic in the future? Well, the artist isn't quite sure yet. "With every illustration I upload I think: This will be my last corona art. I won't have more ideas on this topic. But unexpectedly, after a few days, I find some new ideas in my mind. It's like a creative challenge I hope to stop soon and go back to other topics like global warming," the designer told us.
#13
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
#14
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
#15
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
#16
Image credits: Steffen Kraft (ICONEO)
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