Here at Slowdown Studio we love collaborating with emerging and established artists from across the globe. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Enikő Katalin Eged, the artist behind the much loved Cat Bingo Mini Blanket and new Alma Throw Blanket. Enikő Katalin Eged is a Budapest-based illustrator and pattern designer. Eged loves illustrative narratives with driving dynamics and a strong atmosphere. The key element in her work is familiarity - somehow connecting or reconnecting a common recognition of small details and memories.
1. Who do you think is the most exciting emerging creative in Budapest?
@tudi.juli, @greta_krippl_, @csinszka.hu, @budailotte
2. Where are your favourite places to go in Budapest?
I love the bank of the Danube, especially the Római-part, which is a bit further from the center. If I’m in the mood for some historical vibes, I visit the Buda Castle District. I also enjoy relaxing in one of our magnificent bathhouses - my favorite is Lukács Bath.
Favorite restaurants: @pingrumba_bp, @davidskitchenbudapest
Favorite coffee: @pampushkabp
Favourite bookstore: @csirimojo
3. What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself when you were starting out in art?
Honestly, I think I did great, because I never put too much pressure on it - I just started posting on Instagram without any preconceptions, simply for fun and for myself. I draw every day, or almost every day, so why wouldn’t I share it? It turned out so nicely. I had a full-time job alongside freelancing for such a long time, and if I could send a message to my younger self, it would be to try to rest more.
4. What are you listening to in your studio at the moment?
I discovered a Hungarian neo-soul / neo-folk singer called Csinszka, and I love how she mixes bold folk elements with progressive music styles :)
5. What inspired your design for this latest blanket design?
I have this recurring motif of a horse paired with a human portrait, or two horse portraits facing each other - and I wanted to explore this theme further, elevating it to a new level through the rhythm of dots and colors. At the same time, I’ve been bonding with my new mare, whom I love deeply, and I wanted to express that feeling as well.
6. What's your favorite way to slow down?
I spend a lot of time with horses and in nature - and for me, that’s the best. And of course, there’s drawing. Every couple of days I feel like there’s just too much going on in my head or around me, and I need to quiet down - and drawing gives me that peace.
7. What's the most memorable book you've read in the last few years?
I would mention a novel by Leonora Carrington: The Hearing Trumpet. It’s just as brilliant as her paintings, and I was captivated by the idea that all the main characters are brave and eccentric wise women. It’s a wonderful novel that gave me a fresh perspective on both feminism and art. Truly a must-read!
Cat Bingo Mini Blanket
8. What has been the happiest/most rewarding moment of your art career? That’s a good question.
I live with Autism and ADHD, and I just can’t stop at one rewarding moment because I’m already chasing new things and tasks - and I know that can be a problem. I think one truly great and rewarding moment was when I managed to leave my full-time graphic design commissions and started taking projects that focused on my own graphic style and narrative.
9. How does living in your city influence your work? Is there anything about your city that has defined how or what you create?
Not really. Technically, I’m just saving money to move to the countryside, where I can have more animals, more peace, and more nature around me. I love cinemas, cafés, neon signs, and the bold, multicultural vibes, but the city itself doesn’t really inspire me at all.
10. What are you most excited/looking forward to this year?
I’m going to release a new ceramic collaboration, which I’m really looking forward to! I’m also planning to seriously slow down and focus on painting instead of illustration commissions, so I hope to start that by autumn :)
Instagram: @nikoenikoeniko
Website: https://linktr.ee/nikoenikoeniko?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=cd7371c7-8c41-4f82-a775-1ec2c9a46d9b
