Julianna Szabo has a way with paper. A paper magician, her creations have a humoristic edge to them, often eluding to pop culture references (some of her 3D models include an Eevee caught in a Pokeball and a portrait of Daenerys Targaryen); with each piece requiring a different set of techniques and materials.
Born in Hungary and currently based in London, Szabo’s artistic career took her around the world, and since graduating from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, with a degree in Graphic Design, she’s been commissioned by selected clients like Gucci, Fossil, and the National Print Museum. “Having moved abroad, and traveling is also a great source of inspiration in itself,” she added in an interview with Strictly Paper, “also it made me more open to accept and appreciate different cultures, which I can incorporate in my work.”
Each piece begins with decision making. “Once I have the design for a work, I have to choose the right paper for it,” says Szabo. “I decide the weight, texture, color. I use different paper when I have to fold, tear or cut. I use acid-free paper to make sure my works last for a long time.”
When paper cutting, she uses a good quality self-healing cutting mat, scalpels with replaceable blades, a scorer, and a good tweezer. “There are many types of scalpels on the market, my only recommendation is to use the one that feels the most comfortable,” she says. “I personally use an x-acto knife.”
