Cagla Zimmermann

Hey! My name is Cagla Zimmermann. I was born and raised in Istanbul/Turkey, yet moved to Europe 10 years ago after finding my other "German" half. Despite holding an M.A degree in International Relations, I always knew that painting is my true passion. I am a self-taught freelance illustrator and a designer currently residing in Vienna, Austria.

Already as a child, I was very curious about other cultures, their traditions & costumes. I learned many different folk dances while growing up and of course, I was the happiest kid when putting those patterned folk dresses on! So, after I took a radical decision to change my career path, I just followed the rhythm of my heart, used my Turkish background and mixed it with world cultures, nature, poetry and music. I love the energy of bold colours & contrasts, and getting lost in details is my favourite part of the painting process. I mainly paint with gouache but I am also passionate to use oil colors, acrylics, colored pencils and oil pastels. Although I believe that folk art is more charming when it is hand painted & shared with people, there are days that I don't have enough time for it and I simply go for digital illustration.

I have my own online shop. Besides selling my art prints, I have turned some of my artworks into stationery products such as stickers, calendars, greeting cards and notepads. My insect series have been exhibited in Munich/Germany and some of my limited edition prints are also sold in the US via Toi Art Gallery. I have also collaborated with some art companies and musicians from Spain for album covers and posters.