Design as an expression of freedom and social awareness: a talk with Yael Anders
From illustration to ceramics, graphic design, and fashion: Yael’s practice flows freely across disciplines with the intent to connect people and spark dialogue around social responsibility.
With roots in illustration, Yael Anders is an interdisciplinary designer whose portfolio spans a wide range of practices and techniques. Uninterested in being confined by a fixed label, she continuously challenges herself by experimenting with new formats and tools, shifting perspectives, exploring materials, and discovering new creative languages.
Connection lies at the heart of her practice. She passionately believes that creatives have the extraordinary opportunity to transform urgent and complex topics into something accessible by resonating with human emotion.
We had the chance to step into her multifaceted world. Together, we explored themes like freedom, social responsibility, sustainability, dreams and more.
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Who are you, and where do you come from?
Yael Anders:
“I’m Yael Anders, a multidisciplinary creative based in Zürich. My practice is rooted in illustration but expands into object design and spatial interventions. I have a deep love for analog processes, tactile materials, and fluid shapes—forms that evoke emotion and invite reflection. I studied at the Zurich University of the Arts, at an art-focused Gymnasium in Sweden, and at ENSAAMA in Paris with a focus on illustration. I recently completed my Master’s in Art Education, which has strengthened my perspective on the social dimensions of design and creativity.”
What was the very first thing you ever designed? What sparked the inspiration—or the urgency—to create it?
Yael Anders:
“The first thing I ever designed was a planner agenda—with no lines, just open space to draw, collage, and organize freely. Back in the Gymnasium in Zürich, we were given school planners that were all pre-lined, telling us exactly what to write and where. I didn’t like that. I wanted enough space for sketches, thoughts, drawings—for the things that didn’t fit into boxes. The design came from a deep desire for freedom: freedom in structure, in expression, and in daily life. That same urge for autonomy is what eventually led me to start my own studio.
Today, search for freedom still shapes my work—whether in abstract illustrations, playful objects, or participatory installations. I create visual spaces where others can find their own rhythm, their own voice, and their own way of moving through the world.”
You’re a truly multifaceted creative. Your portfolio spans a wide range of disciplines: illustration, ceramics, visual and graphic design, fashion… It’s hard to define you with just one professional label. How would you describe yourself?
Yael Anders:
“I’d describe myself as an interdisciplinary designer. I’m drawn to a variety of techniques and mediums—each one offering a different way to express an idea or emotion. I believe people are just different: some love to specialize and go deep into one specific field, while others—like me—thrive through experimentation and movement between disciplines. Creativity flows best when I can shift perspectives, explore new formats, and translate visual languages across materials—whether it’s a brushstroke on paper, a shape in clay, or a collaborative installation in public space.”
There’s a lot of conversation today about the importance of developing cross-disciplinary skills. How important is it for you that people perceive you within a specific category—or is that something you’d rather avoid?
Yael Anders:
“Labels can be helpful sometimes, but I don’t really feel the need to fit into one. I’m more interested in what connects things than what separates them. Working across disciplines allows me to stay curious and flexible—and to respond to ideas or collaborations in the way that feels most alive. I think the boundaries between categories are becoming more fluid anyway, and that’s something I embrace. In the end, I hope people connect more with the feeling or thought behind my work than with a title.”
Freedom seems to be a recurring theme in your work—freedom of expression, creative freedom, the freedom to evolve and just be. Can you tell us more about the relationship between your creative process and this idea of freedom?
Yael Anders:
“I’ve always believed that everyone should have the space to express themselves in their own way, and that shapes how I work. It also influenced how my first product came to life: I was missing something that didn’t exist in the way I needed it, so I created it myself. Freedom, for me, means having the space to shape your own tools, visuals, and routines—whether in design or in life. It’s about creating open spaces for imagination and encouraging others to do the same.”
Your work also touches deeply on themes of sustainability and social responsibility. In your view, what role can art and design play in addressing and supporting critical contemporary issues like these?
Yael Anders:
“Thank you for this beautiful question—it really resonates with me.
For me, art and design are ways to connect with people—and with that connection comes responsibility. I believe creatives have the chance to make complex topics feel more approachable, emotional, and human. I often ask myself how I can bring the values that matter to me—like sustainability or social equality—into my work in a way that feels authentic. I’m still figuring things out and learning as I go, but I see design as a tool to spark awareness, create space for dialogue, and maybe even shift perspectives, step by step.”
Given your versatile background, you’ve collaborated with several major brands, such as Adidas, Samsung, Ikea and more. Which collaboration has been the most meaningful to you—and which one challenged you the most or taught you the most?
Yael Anders:
“Each collaboration taught me something new. Working with larger brands like Adidas or Samsung helped me to translate my visual language across different formats while staying authentic. But one of the most formative experiences was my collaboration with Manor, the largest Swiss department store line, where I developed a wide-ranging collection spanning fashion, home & living, stationery, and jewelry. Seeing my designs sold all over Switzerland was exciting, but also came with the challenge of maintaining artistic integrity across such a broad scope. It taught me how to scale a concept while keeping the soul of it intact.”
Is there a brand, artist, or designer you dream of collaborating with in the future?
Yael Anders:
“There are so many, I just really love to collaborate! One dream collaboration would be with Calida, the Swiss sleepwear brand. I admire their innovative approach to textiles and their pioneering role in cradle-to-cradle production—including sustainable packaging. With their visionary technology, I’d love to design a collection that brings both comfort and beauty into people’s everyday lives—whether they’re relaxing at home or on the go. That said, I’m also very open and curious to see what exciting paths the future holds!”
Is there an object, project, or work of art you’ve come across and thought, “I wish I had created that”?
Yael Anders:
“Yes—I’m deeply impressed by the work of Thut, a Swiss furniture manufacturer whose designs are incredibly smart and make perfect sense. Their functional clarity is something I truly admire, even though I have to admit I might not be that type of designer myself. Another project I like a lot is Sebastian Marbacher’s “Baustellenbank”—it’s so honest and playful and connects many topics that I am interested in. I appreciate when design stays close to real life, yet opens up new ways of seeing and using everyday things.”
Are you currently working on a new project? Could you tell us something about it?
Yael Anders:
“Yes! I’m currently working on several exciting projects for Zürich Design Week that have something to do with reuse and recycle. And finally I am taking some time to focus more deeply on developing my own collection. This week, (tomorrow!:)) I’m also presenting an art installation in Paris during Fashion Week together with my longtime friend and performance artist Jessisca Comis —which is a very special collaboration for me personally. And looking ahead, a new project is planned for Japan this August, which I’m really looking forward to!”
What do you think the future holds for you?
Yael Anders:
“I hope the future holds space—for creativity, exploration, meaningful collaborations, and new ways of connecting with people through design. I’d love to continue shaping my own collection and collaborating on work that brings creativity into everyday life. I don’t have a fixed plan—just a curiosity for what’s to come and a commitment to staying true to what matters to me.”
