We are overjoyed to welcome the incredibly talented @pernilleoerum as the focus of this artist spotlight! Pernille is a gifted character designer based in Kenya who has lent her expertise as a judge for our anniversary drawing competition 2024. Her extensive experience includes serving as the lead character designer for notable animation projects like Warner Brothers' DC Superhero Girls and Barbie.
We are deeply humbled and grateful that Pernille has graciously agreed to share her insights and advice about navigating a career path in the animation industry. Her words are certain to empower and enlighten, guiding the aspiring artists toward the realization of their dreams.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your artistic journey. What sparked your passion?
Hi! I’m Pernille Ørum, an artist and illustrator based in Nairobi, Kenya. My journey into the world of art began at a young age. I’ve always been fascinated by drawing and storytelling. As a child, I would spend hours creating characters, illustrating stories, and experimenting with different styles. This love for art eventually led me to pursue a degree in animation, which was a pivotal moment in developing my skills as both an illustrator and storyteller.
What truly ignited my passion was realizing how powerful art can be in conveying emotions, thoughts, and narratives. I’ve always been drawn to character design—creating unique characters that express their stories through their expressions, postures, and even their surroundings. The idea of bringing characters to life with personalities that resonate with people, has always motivated me immensely.
Over time, I’ve been fortunate enough to work on some exciting projects, ranging from animation and children’s books to illustrations for commercial clients. It’s been an incredible experience seeing my creations come to life in various forms, and it continues to fuel my love for art. I’m always looking for new ways to grow and explore different mediums and techniques.
You have a very unique and eye-catching style - where do you find inspiration?
Thank you so much for the compliment! As an artist, my inspiration comes from a blend of my experiences, the world around me, and the visual languages I admire.I draw heavily from storytelling through comics, animation, or character design. I love exploring how shapes, colors, and expressions can convey emotions, and I'm consistently inspired by pop culture, fashion, and various cultural aesthetics. I also find that revisiting old illustrations and experimenting with new tools allows me to discover fresh perspectives and ideas.
I believe it's about staying open to the world and permitting yourself to be influenced by both the quiet moments and the chaos around us.
What's one work that you're particularly proud of? Did the process of creating it teach you anything noteworthy?
One piece I’m especially proud of is my work on Barbie. Being a part of creating the designs for such an iconic character was an incredible experience. I had the chance to reimagine Barbie with a fresh perspective while staying true to her timeless essence. The process taught me a lot about how subtle changes in character design can have a massive impact on their personality and how they resonate with different audiences.
What I learned from this project was the power of versatility in character design. Barbie is a symbol that means so many different things to different people, so it was important to find a balance between modernizing her while maintaining her classic charm.
For aspiring artists who dream of entering the animation industry, what key tips or advice would you offer based on your own experiences?
For aspiring artists who dream of entering the animation industry, my advice is to stay curious, be persistent, and embrace the learning process. The journey is long, but it’s incredibly rewarding!
First, never stop learning. Animation is a constantly evolving field, so continue to experiment with new techniques, software, and styles. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and try things that push your creativity. Additionally, build a strong foundation in the basics—having strong drawing skills, understanding anatomy, and a solid grasp of design principles will serve you well, regardless of the path you choose. Develop a personal style while remaining adaptable. Your unique voice is important, but in animation, you'll often need to tailor your work to fit a specific project or team. Learning how to collaborate and be flexible with your style will make you a much stronger artist.
Lastly, network and connect with others in the industry. The animation world is all about collaboration, so getting to know other artists, animators, and storytellers can open doors and provide valuable learning opportunities. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek mentorship—it can make a significant difference in your growth. And most importantly, don’t give up! The road to breaking into animation can be tough, but persistence and passion will always pay off.
When did you first start using Ohuhu products? What do you love about them?
I first started using Ohuhu products a year ago, and I honestly fell in love with them right away. As an artist who is always experimenting with different mediums, I was looking for high-quality markers that could provide me with vibrant color and smooth blending. Ohuhu truly impressed me with the range of colors and how easy they are to work with. They allow me to bring my character designs to life with depth and dimension, and I appreciate that they are very affordable given the quality they offer.
What I love most about them is their versatility—whether I am doing quick sketches, refining a character design, or adding color to a more polished piece, they handle it all beautifully. The brush tips are also amazing for adding fine details or soft transitions, which is great for capturing the dynamic nature of characters and expressions. It has been a great addition to my toolkit!
Looking ahead, is there a particular project or creative goal that you're currently focused on achieving next?
Looking ahead, I’m really excited about a couple of projects that are pushing my creative boundaries. First, I’m working on a European comic book, which has been a thrilling challenge. It’s allowing me to dive deep into storytelling through sequential art, and I’m really enjoying developing the characters and world in a way that feels fresh and engaging. The blend of dynamic action with subtle, emotional moments is something I’m eager to explore further.
