Galice KALONJI - illustrator amongst other things
I’m a passionate, self-taught artist who wears more than two hats. Come, let us chat for a bit.
About me
I’m a freelance illustrator from the french alps. I love colors, people, discoveries, and pigs. A little about me:
- I grew up in Megève, Haute-Savoie, I was born in Geneva, Switzerland, and I’m mixed-race and have two nationalities (so there, you have it).
- I completed five years of higher education in ecology and animal behavior, but I only worked in that field for two years.
- I never wanted to choose between my love of nature and drawing, so here I am today, working a job where I can draw leaves and wild boars all day long… Hehe.
My background
I have a master’s degree in behavioral ecology and wildlife management, because I wanted to work in animal conservation. Instead I worked for two years as a research engineer in animal behavior and welfare in France.
I grew up in the french alps, in a ski resort. I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil and I’ve never stopped (well, I stopped during primary and high school). While waiting to find a job that satisfied me, I worked in several fields, including:
- volunteering at a bird sanctuary in Spain
- bookselling at Fnac
- Ski staff at a ski shop
- waiting tables in a small local restaurant and at a mountain refuge in Switzerland
- salesperson in a board game shop and bar
I also travel a lot, throughout France and Europe, and sometimes a little further. I have made a habit of sketching what I see in my travel journals.
My values
My work is based on a few simple principles
Kindness
I will gently guide you with simplicity, so that our collaboration is nice and easy. With me, there is no pressure : you have the right to change ideas, to find something ugly or to cancel the project, no hard feelings 🙂
Customization
I listen to your wishes, I understand what you’re looking for, I add my own touch, and it results in an original piece that reflects your personality. My goal is for you to leave with a big smile and a unique drawing.
Authenticity
My illustrations are entirely « humanmade ». I draw with my brain, my pens, my brushes, my ipad, and that’s IT. You’ll never see the use of A.I to create illustrations here.
Local and humans
I prefer collaborate with craftspersons and independent printers to co-create your comic book and to print projects. I started drawing for my clients thanks to my job as a waitress in a small restaurant, so for me, “networking” simply means going out and talking to others.
Let us talk about your project
Contact me and I will reply as soon as possible!