Illustration

Lina Ekstrand

CONTACT AGENT Molly Karlberg

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BIOGRAPHY

Lina Ekstrand has embraced a global lifestyle, having lived in South America, the USA, England, and Germany before returning to Sweden to pursue her dream home in Österlen, Skåne. “As a child, I drew every day,” she recalls. “It drove my father mad as my toys and clothing were constantly swimming in a sea of crayons and half-finished drawings.” Graduating in 2003 from Denmark's Design School, Lina launched her career as a freelance illustrator with an international marketplace. She primarily works with pencil, ink, and watercolor, and her style has evolved into a freer, more expressive approach marked by strong watercolors. Lina frequently draws inspiration from film—her absolute favorite director is Bernardo Bertolucci—and often incorporates symbolic details reminiscent of 1920s Paris. Her work has been described as evoking the charm of old magazine illustrations with a dash of dandy elegance and a Hemingway-like sensibility. Lina’s impressive portfolio includes many exciting commissions, most notably decorating Skåne’s new Pågatåg trains, where she created 49 portraits of famous local figures such as Birgit Nilsson, Ernst-Hugo Järegård, and Sally Bauer. Her work has been featured in exhibitions in Sweden, London, and Mexico. Lina’s diverse client list includes renowned brands and organizations such as Femina, Sydsvenskan, Hennes, Oriflame, Findus, Monki, Libresse, Sveriges Radio, Sisters, Mäklarhuset, Western Union, Pågatågen, Konstfack, Doro, Malmö Stad, Navigator, and many more. Lina Ekstrand continues to captivate audiences with her vibrant, film-inspired illustrations, making her a standout creative force in the world of art and design.

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