Profile
Christian Chladny is an independent designer and illustrator working in Hamburg, Germany. His work focuses on concept-driven visual communication across editorial illustration, graphic design, and visual identity.
For over twenty years, Christian has worked as a freelance designer, handling projects from initial concept through final execution for small and mid-sized businesses, cultural institutions, and editorial teams. Born in Bucharest and having lived in Stuttgart, Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Vienna, he brings a cross-cultural perspective that fuels his curiosity, adaptability, and ability to tell stories through design.
His portfolio includes illustration, graphic design, and visual identity, often enriched with expressive typography. Many of his personal projects address social and political issues and have been shown internationally, including at the International Poster Biennale in Warsaw, the Peru Design Biennale in Lima, and the Ogaki Poster Museum in Japan. His illustrations have appeared in Die Zeit, Focus, and Neue Zürcher Zeitung, reflecting his commitment to clarity through visuals that communicate immediately or reveal their meaning upon closer inspection.
Collaboration is central to his process. He works closely with art directors, editors, and brand teams to deliver thoughtful, timely, and functional design solutions. In his spare time, he enjoys playing chess or exploring the outdoors with his dog—always looking out for wild mushrooms or the next idea, whichever comes first.
Photographed by Claudia Höhne
