It was my grandfather, an artist focusing on woodcuts, who introduced me to the world of visual design at an early age. I remember the smell of glue when we made collages, his beautiful attic full of paint, brushes and paper. And the curious feeling of sitting still when he drew a portrait of myself as a child.

Very early on, I decided that I would choose a similar path and study graphic design. But contrary to my grandfather, I was able and eager to leave Germany and live and work in bigger cities than the small town I grew up in. But I always knew that I would be back at some point. Having children myself, the desire to create a stable homebase closer to family became the most important thing in life. But there are many reasons we feel happy in Munich, the self acclaimed biggest village in Germany.

When I seriously started to illustrate and publish greeting cards as a side project in 2005, my style was sometimes described as "Scandinavian," "Japanese," or "American," but never as "German." This always made me smile. Apparently my changing home base had enabled me to create something new.

Besides drawing portraits, I earn my living as co-founder of pleased to meet, a company for fine paper and home goods (worth a visit: www.pleasedtomeet.de). I am very thankful for the many beautiful stores all around the globe who carry our products. We even have a small flagship store in the beautiful Glockenbach district in Munich. Definetely worth a visit!

Until today, I try to build a bridge between commerce and art. I don't see myself as an artist but as a visual person. One of my favorite projects is a cooperation with the new Munch Museum in Oslo. The products that my company and I designed for them are - of course - not on walls for display, but sold in the museum store.

I am very happy about where I am. Home can be everywhere, but it is best where your heart is!