Brief

Marian Bantjes refers to herself as a graphic artist. She blends graphic design elements with illustration to produce her unique images. She is influenced by works including islamic art, art nouveau, the arts & crafts movement, typography, old lace, Baroque, illuminated manuscripts and more.

Born in Canada and has spent most of her life in Vancouver, BC. Her education has been unusual, she has no real training in design. She attended art school for one year in 1982 but she refers to herself as an "art school drop out". After that she became a book typesetter in 1983. In 1993 Marian started and co-owned a design firm until she quit to become a graphic artist. Now she works from her studio at home on an island on the west coast of Canada.

Currently she is working as a typography and editorial design teacher through the Emily Carr Institute in Vancouver and is also an author for the design-discussion website Speak Up. Marian states that her motivation in design; "I can be struck at any moment by any image, phrase or thought that will cause my mind to leap from one thing to the next in a realm of creative possibilities."

She believes that a graphic designer must have; "Deep interest and commitment beyond expected requirements, plus intelligence, imagination and tenacity." in order to be successful. Her clients to date include Stefan Sagmeister, Saks Fifth Avenue, Pentagram, Print Magazine, The New York Times among many more.