Exclusive Interview with Illustrator Elroy Klee
Elroy Klee is a former graffiti artist from The Netherlands, who is the owner of Elroy Klee, a studio of twelve designers. They work together in the fields of illustration, set design and 3D work. Klee’s work is a mixture of “experimental transformer style”, urban street art and Dutch design. Here is a selection of some of his work from his Behance profile, along with 12 interview questions about his work and design style…
1. Tell Design Soak Magazine readers about yourself. What motivates you?
Well, I’m Elroy Klee. 43 years in the making already. So a kind of oldie. In the graphic game already some 16 years, but making name the last years in the international scene. My motivation comes from within’. Just making beautiful stuff. 
2. When did you first start illustrating? Where did it all begin?
It all began when I was around 16. Starting in the streets with tagging and bombing my hometown with graffiti. Just was addicted to it and loved designing letters. After my study I began a studio with some companions. We were doing a lot of corporate stuff, identities and packagings. A few years back my illustrations roots was calling for attention. I left the studio and now a days I freelance as and art director/illustrator.
3. How did you ‘find your own style’? Have you always used the same illustration methods?
Well I think I’m still searching for my own style. I like geometric design in 3D. Digital as well as crafted. Combined with a typical Dutch style I hope find my own style quick. Or maybe not. The search is quite interesting as well.
4. Tell us about your creative process. How do you work?
A lot happens in my mind. I think a long time for a good concept. After that I make a small sketch because my work develops as I work on it. 
5. What is the biggest inspiration for fresh ideas?
Well, inspiration comes from everything for me. I can walk in a forest or supermarket. It doesn’t matter. I’ve noticed if I’m in the car on a highway I’m at my best creating a concept. Sounds kinda weird, but I’m completly focussed when driving.
6. Do you find it easy or hard to create new work?
Not really, but sometimes it costs me more time then other times. My work is my hobby so I like every assignment. And if I don’t like it I refuse to do it.
7. What is the best part of your job?
Freedom, meeting other designers, listing music and creating stuff. Man, I love all of it 
8. Adversely, what is the worst part of it?
Clients who change the brief while the assignment is already for 70% done and still keeping the tight deadline.
9. Apart from illustration, what other creative fields are you involved in?
Well, I’m still doing packaging which I love.
10. Do you have any plans for the future of your creative work?
Besides the search of my style I want to develop my animation skills. I want to do more in film/animation.
11. What is inspiring your work at this moment in time?
I like the clean typical dutch style. Richard Niessen for example I like a lot. Combined with a touch of Pul Klee and my 3D style would be awesome :-) 
12. What is top 3 tips for the Design Soak readers?
- Do what you love to do. Passion is the keyword - Try to devellope your own style. At the end you get the credits for it - Make your portfolio stand out. Quality work will get noticed.
Follow Elroy Klee on websites below:
☞ Facebook ☞ Behance ☞ Twitter ☞ Instagam ☞ Elroy Klee
Further Information // “Exclusive Interview with Illustrator Elroy Klee” // All the images shown within this post are [Creative Commons] © Copyright Elroy Klee. ★ Like this Article? Please Share it! See also: Exclusive Interview with Illustrator Andrew Denholm.