Location : Oslo, Norway
Profession / passion : Freelance illustrator
Website : www.esraroise.com
Instagram : @esrarois

One Day is an ongoing project sparked by the Covid-19. In the days of isolation we would like to focus on what we do best; bringing people together. Read more about the project here.
We will be posting one new day of someones life every day until we run out of contributors. See our instagram stories to experience these peoples One Day in action.

A text, song or film that everyone should experience.
“96 Tears” by Question Mark and The Mysterians is a recent (old) favourite

What is the story behind your profession/ passion?
I've been drawing since I was little and have never really pursued anything with the same kind of passion. I went to art school but it didnt really occur to me that being an illustrator could be an actual job so I was working full-time at a skateboard shop for many years and my plan was to just take over as a manager there, but I kept getting inquiries to do illustrative work so I finally i just decided to see if this illustration-thing was actually going anywhere. I kind of just stumbled into it as a full-time profession. I still consider myself extremely privileged to get to do my favorite thing in the world for a living and that it actually pays the rent. It really is my dream job.

How has the current situation affected how you work?
I work from home on a regular basis and being antisocial isn't really new to me either, so the practicality of this situation doesnt feel so different from my everyday life. However I do miss being able to decide the level of antisocial-ness myself and to move freely around in the world.. I also really miss hugging my friends.

What is the most inspiring text you read recently?
I recently read “3 women” by Lisa Taddeo which really moved me. It is the incredibly raw and sad and unnerving stories of three women and their complicated relationship to three specific men in their life.

Your greatest achievement?
To make an actual good living of my passion by working full-time as an illustrator. Also to live a full and good life surrounded by people I love.

Define what beauty means to you.
Kindness and a good sense of humor.

Function or form?
Functional form please.

Analog or digital?
I love the juxtaposition of analog and digital combined, but i have to admit that my heart beats a little extra for analog.

Describe a smell that brings back memories to you.
The smell of lilacs which deeply remind me of my childhood. We had a big lilac hedge around the garden, and it would give of the most amazing intense smell in the springtime.

What traits do you treasure in other people?
Loyalty, kindness and a good sense of humor.

Quality or quantity?
I'm a bit of a hoarder but I like to think that I collect things of quality.. so, both I guess. haha

Who do you miss?
My sisters and my nieces

How was your spiritual and religious upbringing and how did it shape you?
My dad is a Turkish practicing muslim and my mom a spiritual free-spirited Norwegian christian, so did both Friday prayer and Sunday school and yoga-teachings when I was a child, but as I’ve grown older I think of myself more as spiritual being than a religious one. I believe in nature and science and the good in people rather than specific gods.

When was the last time you learned something new and what was it?
In this time of social distancing and keeping close to home I have finally taken the time to actually learn to cook (more correctly; found the patience to actually read and follow a recipe). I made hand-cut noodles from scratch the other day, which I really enjoyed. I mean, I set off the smoke detector alarm in the entire building in the process, but still..

Have you actively chosen to live in the city/town you live in?
Yes. I've grown up by the country-side but i love living in the city.

How do you relax?
Drawing, reading, giving myself weird manicures, doing yoga, walking and listening to podcasts and music.

What does freedom mean to you?
The ability to create my own work and be my own boss and to live my life as I choose.

Lastly, how do wish to see this current situation have a positive impact on our lives?
In many ways i think this global event has humbled us and forced us to rethink how we work and how we consume and how we live all together. It makes me value the things I have taken for granted; being able to hug my friends, moving freely in the world, travelling, exploring. I hope we will come out of this a little wiser, with more empathy towards others and with a stronger sense of community.

One Day : Esra Roise - Illustrator