Multidisciplinary | Multicultural | Multifaceted

Maike Herzog is an interdisciplinary artist and illustrator currently based in Germany, specializing in depicting themes of culture, identity, and imaginative narratives through whimsical, detailed illustrations. Though her overall body of work could be described as multifaceted and she enjoys diving into a wide variety of styles and mediums, Maike’s recent works aim to evoke the feeling of stepping into a daydream through her playful doodle-like drawings paired with soft flowing watercolours. 

Within the world of contemporary illustration, Maike’s practice offers a unique approach to visual communication that is simultaneously introspective and observational. Maike draws inspiration from the lived experience of her multicultural background, architecture, her interest in fantastical narratives and tabletop role playing games, and her interest in mental health representation.

Maike is experienced in personalized commission work, and enjoys transforming the dreams and imaginations of her clients into tangible visuals. However, She is aiming to branch out into new professional horizons, with a special interest in (but not limited to) editorial, publishing, and commercial fields. Maike offers audiences an engaging, thought-provoking yet playful experience in her illustrations, and a space to reflect on the nature of our own boundless imaginations and personal identities. 

Background

A German-Filipino born in India and raised in a new country every 4-5 years, Maike has a diverse cultural background. She began expressing a love for the arts at a very early age, truly embarking on her artistic journey in the 4th grade. After completing her high school IB diploma (International Baccalaureate), Maike pursued studies in Graphic Design in Florence, Italy at FIDI Florence. Although she eventually found herself searching for an alternative path that offered more artistic and creative freedom, this educational experience sparked a newfound love for digital painting. It also provided her with an important foundation in visual communication, design principles, and illustration techniques that have since greatly influenced her artistic approach. Currently, Maike is enrolled as a student at Falmouth University and completing her BA(Hons) in Illustration.