What is the best thing that I love about my work?

The best thing is being able to visualize my perception on things. The images in my head can be translated to something other people can see as well. Everyone has their own vision, idea’s and opinions and being a creator means that you can share what happens in your mind with others. To me, sharing what is inside of me is the most important thing about my work.

What is my idea of happiness?

My idea of happiness is being able to express myself to others, and that other people are able to respond to what I show or tell them. Being surrounded by like minded people is what makes me happy, and through art you can share your ideas and feelings. Art is what gets people together, what gets people talking and makes us connect.

What is my greatest fear?

My greatest fear would be being all alone, not having any connection to other people. Having a connection with others is what makes life beautiful so losing that would be the worst thing there is.

Losing my will to create and to express myself is something I fear as well.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

I can be too easygoing. This can cost a lot of precious time which could have been saved if I acted out straight away what I was planning to do. 

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

J.P. Ahonen. Artist and author of Belzebubs and other titles.

Osadha Siapa. Author, illustrator and comic artist.

Erik Kriek. Author, illustrator and comic artist.

Maarten Donders. Illustrator.

Tosca van Der Weerden. Illustrator, and animator.

Guillaume N. Logo designer.

Even Amundsen. Concept artist.

Eliran Kantor. Album designer.

Jamie Hewlett. Comic artist famous for the Gorillaz.

Felix Colgrave. Animator, cartoonist, director, filmmaker and musician.

What is my greatest extravagance?

Knowing the lyrics to way too much songs, and probably my interests in specific fantasy and horror stories.

On what occasion would I lie?

To make sure someone hears good or bad news from the right person. Sometimes it’s not up to me to tell someone something that someone else can deliver better.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

Probably the uncertainty of making enough money, and having annoying clients that don’t know what they want.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

During my graduation project when I found out that everything was falling into place. All my hard work came together and became visible. I knew then that I could do anything.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I would like to be more proactive and to be more enterprising.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

After graduation, where I am now, I was scouted to present my work at different events and people wanted to buy what I made. Seeing and hearing how much people appreciate and like what I did gives me energy to keep doing what I do.

Where would I most like to live?

Somewhere in the Netherlands still, So I can visit family and friends. Preferebly a little secluded near a forest so I can get my inspiration and peace of mind in nature. But also near a city so I can enjoy the energy a nice city has got to offer.

What is my most treasured possession?

Something that cannot be replaced, a few strands of hair from my dog that passed away.

What is my most marked characteristic?

I am usually very calm and relaxed. My long hair is marked a lot as well.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

There’s a street here in Roosendaal where every house is different. Different doors, window frames, overall shape of the building. At the and of that street is a very big house, almost a villa, wich is richly decorated with wood. Almost like how the elves in The Lord of the Rings would decorate their house. This brings me lots of joy and inspiration.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

There’s a cool café, named JaxX. The people are friendly, the drinks are varied and tasty, and the music they play is great.

What books influenced my life and how?

The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings defitinately influenced me at a young age. I could read pretty well and I already really liked the Lord of the Rings movies. So I read through most of Tolkiens works at the age of 12. This influenced my way of thinking about world building and what is important in a story. These stories still keep me interested in epic and tragic stories in high fantasy settings. These stories thaught me the values of respecting your surroundings, enjoying the little things and that family and friendships are extremely valuable.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

Definately my favourite band, Avantasia. This music touches upon the subject of the difference between life and dreams, good and evil, if there is a god or not, and how to deal with feelings of love. So for a last day alive this would be very soothing.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

I would say Samwise Gamgee, also known as Samwise the Brave or just as Sam. The best friend and gardener of the Lord of the Rings protagonist Frodo. To me Sam is the true hero of the story, always encouraging and supporting Frodo who carries this heavy burden of saving Middle Earth. Sam is the most loyal and dependable companion of the fellowship, and an example of how we all could live our lives. By finding happines in the small things, like a pretty garden, and by helping those we love the best we can.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

Those who are kind to others and to the world. Those people who include someone in a conversation, those who clean up a piece of thrash on the sidewalk, those who make the world a happier and  better place to be.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

I would say The Shawshank Redemption. The acting is amazing and the storytelling is as well. It tells us much about common decency and kindness.

What role play stories in my life and work?

Stories are everywhere and it’s how we humans perceive the world, I think. Everywhere you look you can find a story, a dent in a car, a kid missing a tooth, a son helping his elderly mother. In my work I try to visialize these stories within one or a few images, the way I think they are represented best.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

To me it means that my life is in my hands and that it is up to me to make something out of it.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My parents will always be my greatest fans and sponsors. They give great advice, listen when I need someone to listen and are always enthusiastic for what I will create.

Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2022?

That’s a tough question since I am only just starting. But some people I think are really cool to work with are Maarten Donders, Tosca Van Der Weerden, J.P. Ahonen, Felix Colgrave and Jamie Hewlett.

Furthermore, companies like Marvel, Nuclear Blast, Adult Swim or just any record label that let’s me design album covers.

What project, in 2022, am I looking forward to work on?

Not really a new project, but the project I graduated with will be shown at a few events and I am selling prints of my poster designs. This is all very new for me and also very exciting! I’m curious where this project will bring me and what comes next.

Where can you see me or my work in 2022?

You can see me and my work at a few events in the coming months:

ARTY PARTY in De Melkweg in Amsterdam. the 31st of August.

BUT-Film Festival in De Nieuwe Veste in Breda. From August the 31st until the 4th of September.

Dutch Design Week, Manifestations in Eindhoven. From October the 22th until the 30th.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

It means that as long as you live there will be things you really like to do, you will always have a passion for something. You don’t need to have a passion for the same thing your whole life.

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?

Eva Bonnevits

Martijn Kersten

Guus Niessen

Britt Planken

Leonore Lichtveld

Laura Langerak

Stijn van Staveren

Lisanne Adams

Eliza Palm

How can you contact me?

You can contact me by sending me an email at kick.stals@outlook.com or messaging me on Instagram @kick.illustration.