CHECK OST#2

ENGLISH
Body Positivity
Body norms and
BoPoLena
You probably already know BoPoLena (Lena
Dirscherl) from Insta and other platforms. Her
beautiful illustrations of body norms and gender
brighten our days and make us think. Exclusively at
CHECK, she talks about her socially critical work.
Hello Lena, tell us how you got into illustration
and drawing comics.
I've been drawing since I was able to hold a
pen. And have never stopped since then. That's
why I've always liked everything that has to do
with drawing, such as illustrations, cartoons
and of course comics. When I finished school,
I completed a degree in illustration and have
been working independently in the areas of
illustration and comics ever since. Since last
year I have also been working as a sensitivity
reader for several queer topics.
Following your Instagram channel, you can see
that your illustrations always have a strong
and clear message. Where do you get your
ideas from?
I don't have to search long for ideas. Since
my work on Instagram is socially critical or
political, I just have to look at the grievances
that unfortunately still exist and convert them
into illustrations.
It's not always about body positivity, but also
about not being pushed into a gender box.
Yes. Gender is a big issue for me. I am non-binary
myself. That's why I deal with it a lot.
Your pictures and posts on Instagram build
self-confidence and make you happy. What is
the response like?
The response is mostly positive. There are some
followers who write to me and thank me for my
work. Of course there are always haters who
attack me personally. But then they are not the
ones I want to reach.
You have also worked for big brands, how
important is it to you that your customers have
the same values.
Of course, it is important to me that my customers
represent the same values, but unfortunately
sometimes I can't choose. I don't have
the luxury of choosing customers, but also have
to take on jobs that bring money but have no
social added value.
Nevertheless, I always try to sensitize my customers
to intersectionality.
What kind of projects are coming up in the
future?
Behind the scenes, I'm currently working on a
body positivity series of illustrations for trans*
people. When I'm done, it will be posted on
Instagram.
Are your drawings available to buy as T-shirts
or posters?
Not yet, but I'm currently working on an online
shop. Sometimes I also sell limited edition
products on Instagram. So if you want to buy
something from me, it is best to follow me there.
You can also support me on Patreon. For one
of the price levels, I will send the supporters
two new postcards, illustrated by me, every
month. (ek,mb)
Interview: Ernesto Klews
Website: www.LenaDirscherl.com
Instagram: @BoPoLena
Patreon: www.patreon.com/bopolena
8 CHECK OST #2