A Splash of Retro Flair with Joanna Gniady

Joanna Gniady is a travel-loving, museum-obsessed creative who finds inspiration in exploring new places. With a playful approach to her work, she blends pop culture, surrealism, and vibrant cinematic influences, all while finding time to entertain her regular uninvited guests. Her sense of humour shines through in everything she does, from her work, to bubble-blowing studio sessions with Looney Tunes on repeat and splurging her first French pay check on a tiny tattoo as a cheeky memento.

How did you first break into the creative industry, and were there any key moments or people that helped shape the early stages of your career?

Honestly, it all started as a daydream. I’d draw and paint for fun, obsessing over album covers. I had this wild wish to design one someday, and then,
almost out of nowhere, a lead singer from a well-known Polish band reached out. I illustrated everything - the LP, EP, the booklet, even the city posters.
Suddenly, my work was everywhere, and it hit me: this was actually happening. That project kicked open the doors, I became more confident in myself and my work, and more collaborations just started flying in.

How would you describe your illustration style, and what influences have shaped it over time?

I’d say my style is quite minimalist, bold, playful, with a splash of retro flair. Growing up in the vibrant world of the Polish School of Posters definitely left its mark. Surrounded by the art of legends like Roman Cieślewicz, Waldemar Świerzy, Henryk Tomaszewski, Jan Lenica or Jan Młodożeniec has truly shaped
my aesthetic - and their influence is still very much alive in my work.

What’s your favourite subject to illustrate, and why do you feel drawn to it?

It might not be super obvious from my portfolio, but fashion illustration has my heart. Some of my sketchbooks are like a messy closet - overflowing with
interesting shapes, quirky shoes, and colour palettes inspired by everything from fresh runway looks to vintage collections. When I saw Maison Margiela’s Artisanal Collection 2024 early this year, I got
goosebumps, cried a little, and then somehow ended up with a pile of paper collages on my desk.
And then there are my usual guests: eye-flowers, cyclops, moustaches, flaming hearts, octopuses, and, of course, polka dots. They just keep showing up
uninvited, and I’ve stopped trying to figure out why.

Which artists, past or present, have had the greatest influence on your work, and why?

Oh boy, the list could go on forever, but here’s my shot at it in one breath: Charles Baudelaire, Picasso, Goya, Nick Cave, Gustave Moreau, Jim Jarmusch, Guido Reni, Félix Vallotton, Bill Traylor, Rimbaud, Paul Gauguin, Jacques Tati, Edvard Munch, Federico Fellini, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec...

But if I had to choose just one, it would be Henri Matisse. I’ve spent so much time immersed in his works through books and exhibitions, that I think I’ve absorbed inspiration through osmosis.

Are there any personal experiences or memories that consistently inspire the work you create today?

After spending years in the academic jungle, specialising in late 19th-century literature and art, it’s evident that decadent blood still flows in my veins. My
illustrations might come off as pop and colourful, but there’s a hidden layer of fin-de-siècle inspiration lurking beneath the surface. My countless ink paintings, fuelled by Baudelaire’s Fleurs du Mal, are the perfect proof of that.

Are there any brands or designers whose aesthetics resonate with you, or brands that you would love to collaborate with?

Let’s just say that part of my dream collaboration list is a closely guarded secret - don’t want to jinx it! But I can tell that my ultimate fantasy is to create
one of those legendary, dreamy, almost otherworldly Christmas displays at Bon Marché, Printemps, or Galeries Lafayette in Paris. The kid in me is already bouncing around in excitement, just thinking about
seeing them again this year!

How do you stay inspired and avoid creative blocks, especially when working on long-term or repetitive projects?

I’m a travel addict with a serious museum obsession - new places and fresh exhibitions are like fuel for my brain. Paris, basically my second home (and croissant dealer) is my muse. And for a quick creative spark, Berlin’s just round the corner, always ready with an exhibit or two to shake things up.
If you’re curious what’s currently igniting my inspiration - the journal on my site serves as my latest-obsessions tracker: https://joannagniady.com/journal

How does music, film or pop culture influence your art? Are there any genres you find particularly inspiring?

Imagine me in the studio: Looney Tunes on repeat (Gossamer mon amour), '80s soundtrack, and bubble gum stuck to everything.
My cinematic idols? Almodóvar’s dazzling colors, Bunuel’s mind-bending surrealism, Jarmusch’s melancholy, Rohmer’s lyrical charm...
And as for the latest trends? Nah, I’m too busy mastering my bubble-blowing
skills.

What has been your most memorable project, and why?

Ah, the most memorable project has to be my illustration for ARTE from ages ago. It was my debut in France, and in a moment of wild celebration, I spent
my entire pay check on a tiny tattoo in Parisian Bleu Noir. Now, it’s my daily reminder that dreams come true and that I should probably stick to cheaper
souvenirs next time.

What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators who are still developing their style and finding their niche?

I can’t help but echo Austin Kleon: “Garbage in, garbage out.” If you want to create something fabulous, you’ve got to fill your brain with quality inspiration.
And, after all, don’t forget to have fun!

See more of Joanna Gniady:
Website: joannagniady.com
Instagram: @joanna.gniady
Shop: shop.joannagniady.com