If we’ve learned one thing this past decade is the importance of diversity when it comes to representations, and more specifically: representation of women. But words like “diversity” and “representation” needn’t come off as loaded terms. Illustrator Bodil Jane proves that at its core diversity is a celebration of colors, textures, tastes, and cultures.
“The women I draw are fictional but based on a blend of women I see around me and those I want to be,” she stated once in an interview with Creative Boom. “The city inspires me to draw these very diverse individuals.”
With almost 250k followers on Instagram, Jane proves that the appetite for diversity has never been bigger. “Women are a never-ending inspiration,” says Jane, “how they behave, their energy, their looks. I’m always inspired by women who are themselves and who are special to me because of their looks. I have to draw them, of course, so the looks are important.”
Women of all sizes, ethnicities, and ages are to be expected when scrolling through her feed. But also, bold colors and textures. “I don’t want my work to be an extension of the women we see in the media all the time,” she says. Instead, she invites you to celebrate your individuality and quirkiness.
