IllustrationLadiesFromVienna to the world withpen and posture
What started out of love for illustration in Vienna is now an international movement and an agency that empowers female illustrators, makes them visible and accompanies them into the future with fair framework conditions. The founders Florine Glück and Janina Kepczynski show how much power is created when creative people join forces.
Where the journey together began
If you work as an illustrator, you probably know the situation: you often sit alone in the studio, juggle client requests, try to negotiate fair fees and at the same time fight to remain visible in the creative field. It is precisely in this area of tension that the two Viennese illustrators Florine Glück and Janina Kepczynski found each other.
What they have in common is a love of illustration, a desire for exchange and the conviction that creativity is not at its strongest in a quiet little room, but where people have each other’s backs.
In 2018, they founded IllustrationLadies in Vienna – a network that is now represented in 12 cities worldwide. This community eventually gave rise to an agency that exclusively represents female illustrators. An agency that not only arranges projects, but also sets an example for visibility, fair pay and the power of real hand-drawn illustration in an age where AI images are generated at the touch of a button.
From living room network to international movement
It all began in Vienna. A few illustrators who wanted to exchange experiences, draw together and motivate each other got together.
Janina and Florine were convinced that they were stronger and more visible together. This attitude has turned a small group into a global network of around 200 illustrators from Vienna to Milan to Amsterdam.
And at some point, it became clear that it was no longer enough to simply recommend illustrators informally. The demand had become too great. They were receiving more and more questions such as: “Do you know anyone who can do this style?” “Do you have an illustrator for editorial, animation or wall design?”
That’s when the idea for the IllustrationLadies Agency was born: a professional structure that is efficient for clients and fair, visible and supportive for illustrators.
The special lettering of the IllustrationLadies agency
There are many representative offices, many agencies, many placement platforms. What makes the IllustrationLadies different? Florine and Janina answer this very clearly: “What makes us different is that we are rooted in a real community.”
The women they represent have known them for years. Through joint sessions, meetings, exchanges and experiences. Above all, this has resulted in genuine connections. This trust, this getting to know each other, these shared artistic moments flow directly into the mediations.
How an organically developed model is shaping the industry
- First the community: exchange, encounters, visibility
- Then the reach: events, social media, international chapters
- From this the agency: professional placement + curated pool
And the two creatives are not alone in their endeavors. The Vienna Business Agency supported them with coaching and programs for setting up a company, which provided a strong tailwind for their professional development.
Clear processes, fair conditions, more space for art
Many self-employed creatives know the feeling that entrepreneurial tasks eat up their own artistic energy. Florine and Janina wanted to do things differently for themselves and their network.
“For us, entrepreneurial thinking means creating clear structures that allow freedom.”
Janina and Florine
In concrete terms, this means:
- Transparent processes
- Careful preparation of projects
- Clear framework conditions for both sides
- Complete communication via the agency on request
- Availability checks
- Fee negotiations
- and a clear commitment: only fair budgets
One issue that is still a reality in the industry is particularly important to the female entrepreneurs: the gender pay gap. The agency only places orders that are paid fairly and thus actively contributes to fairer working conditions in the creative industry.
And they emphasize something that many underestimate: Good structure is not an enemy of creativity. On the contrary: it creates space for it.
What illustrators and companies have in IllustrationLadies
IllustrationLadies creates empowerment, visibility and support for female illustrators. The agency offers female illustrators what is often lacking in self-employment:
- Better visibility
- fair fees
- Professional mediation
- Relief in the organizational part
- a strong community
- Genuine support instead of competition
“We want to increase their visibility in the long term, ensure fair pay and keep their backs free – so that they can concentrate fully on their work.”
Janina and Florine
For companies, the IllustrationLadies provide tailor-made recommendations with depth.
Clients do not receive a list, but a careful recommendation based on style, impact, target group, project context and technical requirements. The portfolio is broad and professional:
- Campaign illustrations
- Editorials
- Animation
- Pattern design
- Corporate Design
- Wall design
- Live illustration
- Graphic Recording
Companies particularly appreciate the artistic signature of genuine female illustrators.
Handmade illustration instead of generic AI aesthetics
At a time when AI images are popping up everywhere, real graphic handwriting takes on a new meaning. Florine and Janina put it this way: “Illustration by real artists creates identification, arouses emotions and gives a brand a distinctive face.
Genuine craftsmanship shows attitude, conveys authenticity and has regional ties.
It is also a strong statement against interchangeability. This is not only creatively important, but also strategically clever. Because brands need uniqueness and real illustration works on a deeper level.
A movement that shows what happens when creative people stick together
IllustrationLadies is more than a network. More than an agency. It is a statement
for visibility, fairness, empowerment and the importance of real art. Florine Glück and Janina Kepczynski have created something that not only empowers female illustrators, but also changes the creative landscape. They show what is possible when you as a creative don’t fight alone, but connect, empower and become visible together. And perhaps that is the most important message for all creatives: Your work becomes stronger when you are not alone.
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