Folksy Freyja

Notes on the design

Monoline illustration done in Procreate.

I've got spring on the mind so made this badge-y mark, meant to evoke sun, birds, butterflies, and blooms.

This kind of doodle usually starts by picking a random shape, then creating some flowy, intersecting lines and seeing what kind of interesting things pop out. I like to draw elements in this symmetrical style without using the guide in order to get a little asymmetry and wobble to the lines. I think the repetition, balance, and subtle symbolism hidden in the design is interesting and pleasing to the eye. This one turned out with a mix of folksy and psychedelic vibes.

The story behind the piece

I recently read a great book on the history of the Vikings (Children of Ash & Elm by Neil Price), which gives some interesting background on Norse mythology and their gods.

Freyja, their goddess of love, war, and fertility, was believed to depart during the cold months and return in springtime to bring abundance and beauty back to the land.