Interview with Carina Lindmeier – Fight For Kindness 2025 Guest

Carina Lindmeier is an award-winning freelance illustrator based in Austria, known for her bold, vibrant digital work that blends playful composition with real-life textures and figurative storytelling. She has collaborated with brands such as Adobe and The Wall Street Journal. Carina remains committed to the growth of the creative community, leading workshops and sharing knowledge.

Your poster highlights kindness in the quiet, small moments where empathy and connection truly grow how do you approach translating these subtle, intimate ideas into a visual form? And what role can art and design play in encouraging people to be more present in today’s fast-paced world?

When everything starts feeling too loud, I try to zoom out and strip things back to what really matters. For me, it’s never about the constant noise or the rush — it’s about the here and now, and those moments and people that ground us and make us feel connected in a real way.

When I’m illustrating something like that, I’m not just thinking about what it looks like, but what it feels like. I’ll play with color, movement, and negative space so the viewer almost gets a little pause like taking a deep breath. I want the piece to feel like it’s quietly pulling you in, not shouting at you. I think that’s where art and design can be so powerful. They can create these little pockets of stillness in a busy world, nudging us to slow down, notice the small things, and be

fully present, even if it’s just for a moment.

"I want the piece to feel like it’s quietly pulling you in, not shouting at you. I think that’s where art and design can be so powerful. They can create these little pockets of stillness in a busy world, nudging us to slow down, notice the small things, and be fully present, even it it's just for a moment."

How would you describe your design philosophy today? Has it evolved through the projects you’ve chosen or the messages you’ve wanted to express?

I’d describe my design philosophy as playful with purpose. I love using bold color, movement, and texture to create work that feels alive — but there’s always an underlying story or emotion driving it. Over time, I’ve realised it’s not just about making something look good, it’s about making it feel like something. It’s definitely evolved through the projects I’ve taken on and the messages I’ve wanted to share. Earlier in my career, I was more focused on style and technique. Now, I’m just as interested in what the work is saying — whether it’s sparking joy, encouraging connection, or highlighting something that matters to me. Every project shapes that philosophy a little more.

Any advice for emerging designers who want to explore typography as a tool to make a positive impact?

My suggestion is to start by thinking about why you’re using typography, not just how. Type isn’t just letters on a page. It’s voice, personality, and emotion. When you want to make a positive impact, clarity and intention matter as much as style. Play with form, scale, and composition to create something that draws people in, but make sure the message shines through. Look at how your choices— from typeface to color to spacing — influence the way people feel and connect with the words. And don’t be afraid to break rules if it helps tell your story in a way that feels authentic. The best typographic work doesn’t just look beautiful, it makes people stop, think, and feel.

How do you hope your work contributes to a more compassionate and inclusive creative industry?

I hope my work shows that creativity can be both personal and universal — rooted in my own experiences, but open enough for others to see themselves in it. I try to tell stories and create visuals that celebrate diversity, connection, and the beauty in everyday life, so more people feel represented and invited in. Beyond the artwork itself, I believe compassion and inclusivity come from how we show up in the industry — sharing knowledge, supporting each other, and making space for different voices and perspectives. If my work, or the way I work, can make someone feel seen, valued, or inspired to take up their own space, then I feel like I’m heading in the right direction.

This interview is part of the Visuals Voices for Change 2025 Fight for Kindness Annual book

Download the e-version of the book for completely free and sign-up for the newly launched Typecampus Newsletter!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Get the printed version, published and distributed by The Printing Office, an imprint of Lazy Dog Press.

BUY NOW

A project by Typecampus / Sponsored by Zetafonts