Hello dear Linda, how lovely that you could take the time for this interview! We would like to thank you sincerely and are already looking forward to learning more about you. So, let’s dive right in! First, it would be great if you could tell us a bit about yourself and your personal background. Who are you, what are your passions, and how have they led you to where you are today?
Hi, and I’m so happy to have the chance to share a bit about myself. I’m Linda, 33 years old, and the creative heart behind the label LINDA MUNDO.
I’ve had a great passion for drawing since I was a child. At the age of ten, I started teaching myself how to paint – with books and lots of curiosity. Whether it was pencils, chalk, charcoal, acrylics, oils, or watercolours – I experimented with everything and later deepened my skills in watercolour courses in my hometown of Cottbus.
After studying pharmacy, I fulfilled a big dream and founded my own label. Today, I live with my fiancé in Frankfurt and juggle between my job at a pharmaceutical company and my growing passion project, LINDA MUNDO. Luckily, I have a wonderful network of friends and professionals who support me with everything organizational, such as shipping, accounting, and events.
The exchange with other creatives is also very important to me. As a member of the “TYPEFACES Family” network, I continuously receive new inspiration – which helps me stay motivated and further develop my ideas. Art and creativity are such a huge part of my life, and I’m thrilled when I can share this passion with others!
What does the name “Linda Mundo” mean, and how did you come up with the idea? Is there a special story behind the name?
First, a little fun fact: “Mundo” is not my last name, as many often think! It’s a self-chosen artist name with its origins in Spanish, and it carries two poetic meanings: either “beautiful world” or “Linda’s world.” Even though it’s not grammatically perfect – a bit of imagination is needed! In my works, I prefer to draw inspiration from the little things that move me: from moments, conversations, and encounters in everyday life or during my travels. Each motif tells its own little story.
How did you come to watercolour painting and stationery, and what fascinates you about them?
I’ve always loved browsing through small, independent shops and discovering special treasures – especially beautiful postcards. There was something magical about taking home these little works of art, whether to give as a gift or simply to collect. Since watercolour painting is my absolute favourite medium and I have a great passion for postcards, it was only natural that my first product would combine these two passions.
How would you describe your style, and how has it evolved over time? Were there any particular influences that shaped your style?
I would describe my style as modern, aesthetic, and playful. It always makes me incredibly happy when people come to me and say that my style is recognizable. It’s always a huge compliment, especially because I couldn’t imagine that at the beginning. It took me a long time to believe that my style was actually something unique.
I can’t really say exactly how my style developed into what it is today. As a child, and later in my early 20s, I often copied things from books or Pinterest. I didn’t have many of my own ideas back then – I was more focused on learning techniques and mimicking templates. But over time, something changed. I became more daring, trying things out, playing, and simply expressing myself creatively. And somehow, a style emerged that now feels like “mine.”
What inspired you to start your creative side business? Was there a particular moment or experience that motivated you to do so?
In December 2020, during the lockdown, two friends asked me to paint Christmas cards for them. They were so excited about my work that they encouraged me to sell them. At first, I was quite unsure, but I decided to design my own motifs anyway. Every evening, I took time to paint and shared some works on Instagram. The positive reactions from my friends really boosted my confidence. A friend connected me with a graphic designer who helped me with my first print orders and to design a logo. In February 2021, I registered my business, opened an Etsy shop, and successfully sold my first card sets. Thanks to the amazing support of my friends and family, I was able to keep investing and continue growing my label.
Where do you draw inspiration for your beautiful creations?
I often find my inspiration in quiet moments when I consciously sit down to paint a new motif. I dive deep into the small moments of everyday life, letting memories of everything that has moved and touched me come alive again. Sometimes it’s special places I’ve visited, little details I’ve noticed, or conversations with friends that inspire me. It’s often the small things that fascinate me – the colours of a sunset, the play of light in a café, or a smile that tells a story. Behind almost every one of my illustrations is a little story shaped by these impressions – always with a lot of heart and personality.
Are there any particular themes or motifs that are especially close to your heart?
The themes and motifs that are especially dear to me often arise from the inspirations I get from friends. In many of my designs, their personalities are reflected – whether through their wishes that I’ve turned into illustrations. Like the horse of a friend or a bear with a hat, or because they themselves have become part of a motif. The best part is the joy of my friends when they realise that a part of them has flowed into my ideas. This connection makes my art especially valuable to me and fills me with happiness.
A wonderful example of this is my “Biersprung card”: A friend, to whom we gave a swimming pretzel before his stay in Australia, was the inspiration for this humorous motif. Today, he lives in Munich, and the idea was born to have him jump into a beer mug with a pretzel. Personal memories like this bring my art to life and give it a deeper meaning.
Equally meaningful to me is the theme of workshops. It brings me immense joy to inspire others to become creative themselves. Especially those who previously thought they had no talent or ability to paint. Those moments when someone suddenly discovers their own creativity and feels proud of what they’ve created are priceless to me. They always show me how much potential we all have and how valuable it is to open ourselves to this form of expression.
Equally meaningful to me is the theme of workshops. It brings me immense joy to inspire others to become creative themselves – especially those who previously thought they had no talent or ability to paint. Those moments when someone suddenly discovers their own creativity and feels proud of what they’ve created are priceless to me. They always show me how much potential we all have and how valuable it is to open ourselves to this form of expression.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial idea to the finished product?
I’d be happy to share an example that shows the process from the initial idea to the final product – my “Modern Winter Watercolor” Advent calendar. Compared to a postcard, the development process here was considerably more involved.
The idea for the motif templates originally came from my workshops. I noticed that many participants struggled with sketching more complex designs. While there are numerous digital templates available to print and transfer, these steps are often cumbersome. So, I thought: How convenient would it be if the templates were directly available on high-quality paper – softly printed in grey, with fine lines, so that you could create a beautiful design even with limited time?
That’s how the idea came about to offer templates with my motifs in a metal tin, as well as to develop an Advent calendar. I decided on cards in A6 format. This size allows one to design a motif in 20 to 30 minutes and enjoy a small break for creativity and calm, especially during the hectic Advent season.
For the templates, I chose a high-quality watercolor paper: Hahnemühle Britannia Matt (300 g/m²). Since the calendar was also meant to appeal to beginners, I consciously avoided more expensive papers, like 100% cotton, to ensure a good price-performance ratio.
With this idea, I approached my local print shop. Together with my contact person, we discussed every detail: The calendar should be produced as a block with ring binding. We considered various options, like perforation, cover sheets in different thicknesses, and production in different quantities. An important step was the detailed calculation to ensure the product would remain affordable for both end customers and B2B clients.
Of course, there were challenges too: During production, two errors occurred that delayed delivery by two weeks. That was a significant learning experience for me – in the future, I’ll make sure to allow more time for such buffers.
But in the end, everything turned out wonderfully: The calendar came out in great quality, and it delighted all the buyers. And that’s the most important thing to me: making people happy with my products.
Is there a particular motif or project that you’re especially proud of? If so, what makes it so special to you?
Absolutely – my Advent calendar with the motif templates is something truly special to me. It was my first product with such an elaborate production, and I remember exactly how overwhelming the feedback from the buyers was. The joy this project sparked showed me that all the effort and hard work were worth it. It was a moment when I thought, “This is exactly why I do this.”
For 2025, I’m planning a new version of the calendar with fresh motifs, and I’m really excited to continue this idea and once again inspire people with creativity.
How do you manage to integrate your passion for art into your daily life, and do you still find time for other things?
LINDA MUNDO is my side project that comes from the heart, and as you might imagine, I often don’t have much time left for painting and developing new motifs. Still, I have a few strategies that allow me to carve out space for art and creativity:
- Fixed Painting Dates: Every two weeks, I host a live-stream on Instagram, the ART LOUNGE by LINDA MUNDO, with another artist. We paint a motif together, and the viewers can join in. These fixed dates motivate me to keep going.
- Creative Sundays: When I spend a weekend at home, I deliberately set aside time on Sundays to paint for 2-3 hours. Especially in autumn and winter, I find these cosy hours particularly inspiring.
- Travel as a Source of Inspiration: When travelling, I paint a lot. I capture holiday memories and simultaneously gather new ideas for future projects.
And yes, there is still time for other things – because with the right strategies, many things can be balanced. Of course, it’s often a juggling act between the main job, side business, and social life – partner, friends, family, leisure, and sport. There are times when everything is running smoothly, but also phases that are more challenging. It’s important to regularly reflect on oneself and make adjustments when something is out of balance. With flexibility and a bit of planning, I mostly manage to bring the different areas of life into harmony.
What do you want to convey to people through your products? Is there a message or feeling you hope to share with your creations?
For a long time, art was my retreat—a place to sort my thoughts and find calm. Today, it is so much more than that—it is my greatest passion and, at the same time, a way to inspire others and give them small moments of mindfulness and creativity.
What are your favourite materials and—especially interesting for us—your favourite papers to work with? Why did you choose these materials, and what do you particularly appreciate about them?
Good paper is essential for watercolour painting—not least to avoid unwanted water stains. My personal all-rounder is Hahnemühle Britannia matt (300 gsm), which I particularly recommend for beginners. However, for me, nothing beats Hahnemühle Expression Watercolour Paper (100% cotton). Colours blend more smoothly and appear even more vibrant on this paper—it’s my absolute favourite. When I’m on the go, I prefer a 100% cotton sketchbook (Hahnemühle Watercolour Book), which provides the perfect foundation for spontaneous creative ideas while travelling.
For sketches, a kneadable eraser is indispensable—practical and flexible. When it comes to brushes, I favour KUM brushes, as they combine high-quality design with excellent craftsmanship.
As for paints, I use a variety of brands. My first watercolour set was from Winsor & Newton, and out of pure nostalgia, I still enjoy working with it today. I also love the outstanding quality of Schmincke, the handcrafted paints by JABOYANT, and for travelling, the Van Gogh Pocket Box, which is compact and practical. Each brand has its own unique charm, and this very variety is what makes watercolour painting so exciting for me.
What advice would you give to someone starting with watercolour painting? Are there any tips or techniques that helped you in the beginning?
The most important thing is to keep going, experiment, and have the courage to try new things. Especially in the beginning, it helps immensely to seek inspiration and explore different resources—books, painting courses, workshops, and the countless online tutorials and Instagram live sessions are fantastic ways to learn step by step and follow guided instructions.
For personal projects, Pinterest and books can be great sources of inspiration, often providing the right spark for your own ideas. Working with reference templates is also a big help in practising techniques and developing your skills.
When it comes to materials, it’s worth testing different papers at the start to discover their differences. A mixed paper pad (such as those from Hahnemühle) is ideal for this, helping you gradually find what suits your needs best. There’s no need for a large watercolour set in the beginning—a palette with 8–12 pans is more than enough to learn the basics and create your first paintings. A smaller selection keeps things manageable and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed by too many colours. Later, as you get a better sense of which colours you prefer and use most often, you can gradually expand your collection.
Do you have any new ideas or projects in the works that you’d like to share with us? What can we look forward to in the future?
Yes! For 2025, I’m planning a very special new product that has never been part of my portfolio before. Unfortunately, I can’t reveal any details just yet—but the launch is scheduled for summer, and I’m beyond excited!
New card designs and reference templates will continue to be released regularly, and there are also some exciting highlights in the workshop programme. I’m particularly looking forward to working with my wonderful partners—for example, Franzi from I AM NOT WINE, where we’re offering a unique experience that combines alcohol-free wine tasting with a watercolour workshop. It’s truly an inspiring combination!
However, my ultimate workshop highlight for 2025 will be a retreat in Greece that blends art and yoga. Together with Sandra from Sanflow-Yoga Landshut, an amazing yoga teacher, we’re planning a special getaway that harmonises creativity and mindfulness. I can’t wait to bring all these ideas to life!
Is there something you’d like to share with our community that hasn’t been mentioned yet?
To wrap things up, I’d like to say that my biggest wish is to show more people that art doesn’t have to be complicated or exclusive. It should bring joy, inspire, and be accessible to everyone. I want to encourage people to be brave, just start, and discover how easy it can be to integrate creativity into everyday life. Often, it’s the small creative moments that bring the greatest balance and make life a little more beautiful.
