In the vibrant undercurrents of Berlin’s creative pulse, Stefan Fähler crafts visual symphonies that dance between chaos and clarity. His posters, born from analog grit and surreal imagination, are not mere designs but fragments of a restless spirit—whispering rebellion, screaming dreams. With a career that spans music, film, and the electric heart of queer nightlife, Fähler’s art invites us to step into a world where instinct reigns and boundaries blur. Through his concise yet profound words, we glimpse the mind of an artist who lets his creations speak loudest. Let’s dive into the interview with this artist
To begin, can you tell us a bit about yourself in your own words?
I am a graphic designer and illustrator based in Berlin and Greece and I work mostly in the fields of fashion, music and film. After working as an art director in advertising for more than a decade, I started to go freelance. I began with heartfelt projects like creating gig posters and flyers for bands I liked and that led to working for most of Berlin’s venues, clubs and its queer nightlife.
Your posters feel like they scream and whisper at the same time — what sensations or emotions do you chase when you’re creating?
It all depends on the project and what makes sense for it: what’s the purpose, what’s the intention, the desired effect etc. People mostly contact me because they are familiar with my aesthetics or are somehow connected to my circles. Though projects outside of my comfort zone are the real challenges and often the most thrilling. I find pleasure in trying out new ways of storytelling in directions yet unknown to myself.
If your artwork could be turned into a physical space — a room, a building, or even a dream — what would it feel like to walk inside it?
Pleasantly uncomfortable.
Do you ever set rules or limits for yourself when creating — or do you try to break them all?
The only rule I follow is that my gut feeling about what I create should feel good.
How do you balance chaos and control in your visuals — is it instinct, intention, or something else?
It´s a mix of both instinct and intention.
What’s something about your creative process that might surprise people?
I use a lot of analog equipment like old xerox machines, water colours, nailpolish remover or markers. So most of my artworks are based on handmade drawings or have been treated in an analog way.
Have you ever made something you didn’t like at first — but later grew to appreciate?
Sure, sometimes the perception of a work can change with time.
If you could design a poster for any moment in history — past or future — what would it be?
I feel very lucky with what I have been able to do so far, so I am curious what the future holds. But if there is one thing that I would really like to do at one point, it would be designing a sneaker.
What do you do when inspiration completely disappears?
Happens rarely, but if it does: stay patient.
Finally, is there anything you’ve always wanted to say in an interview, but never had the chance to?
Γεια σου μαμά!
Connect with Stefan Fähler :
Website | Facebook | Instagram
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