Behind the Scenes in NYC: Meet Artist Millie von Platen
Get to know this year’s David Prize Artist in Residence!
Each year, The David Prize selects a New York-based artist to create a campaign for our Open Call, and today we’re excited to introduce you to our 2024 Artist in Residence: Millie von Platen!
Millie is a Swedish-Korean illustrator born in London, raised in Stockholm, and based in New York City. She has worked with publications like The New Yorker, The New York Times, Vox, and Bloomberg to name just a few. This year, we were thrilled to collaborate with Millie as our 2024 David Prize Artist in Residence!
If you looked up on the subway at some point this fall, there’s a good chance you saw a subway ad featuring Millie’s artwork! Or, if you got a David Prize postcard, social ad, or flyer – that was also her. Millie worked with us to create the artistic foundation for all of this year’s Open Call ads, using the greatest city in the world as her inspiration (you can guess which one…).
Briefly, tell us about YOUR New York!
I like that I can stroll around the city for hours without bumping into anyone I know. It's nice to listen to music and speed-walk down unfamiliar streets. It's a treat coming from a smaller city. I love riding the Sea Glass carousel in Battery Park, looking at Tom Otterness's adorable subway sculptures in the 14th St — 8 Av station, and bowling at Melody Lanes in Sunset Park.
What inspired the artwork you created for The David Prize?
I drew what I saw when I walked around the city. I did have a list of things I wanted to pay attention to while walking around, like the most up-to-date yellow taxicabs and what a NYC trash can actually looks like. It was fun to notice things I wouldn't typically think about in the city I walk around every day.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
A typical workday for me is a bit depressing. I work from home and will go for a jog or a walk late in the day when my eyes and back start hurting. I think I'm a better version of myself over the weekend: I get breakfast at the local diner, maybe go to the cinema or an art exhibition, have dinner with friends, go to a concert or bowling. I love bowling so much these days… I'm terrible at it but it feels special and rare to enjoy a sport despite lacking skill.
What's your favorite project you've worked on (besides this, obviously - ha!)
Hah, apart from The David Prize, I loved doing the cover for The New York Times Book Review a few years ago. I got to draw some of my favourite things: flowers, animals, kids. I also love doing the spot illustrations for The New Yorker. It feels like doing wacky marginalia.
I think the process of emotionally processing art is innate, like knowing what flavors you like to eat.
Why is art important to you?
I think art is important because everyone has an opinion about it. People either like or dislike a painting — everyone has an immediate reaction. You don't have to think too much about it (unless you want to) and you don't have to be trained in it or have grown up in a household full of it. I think the process of emotionally processing art is innate, like knowing what flavors you like to eat. It's a lovely feeling when you see a movie, a painting, or read a book that emotionally and aesthetically appeals to you, even if you don't understand why.
How did you get into the art world?
I used to do cartoons for The New Yorker which is how I got into professional illustration. I hope my work is whimsical and continually evolving.
Describe New York in one sentence
New York is unknowable!
Who inspires you?
I love Edward Gorey, Tomi Ungerer, and Tove Jansson.
How can people get in touch with you if they want to work together?
Email me at millie.vonplaten@gmail.com.
The David Prize Open Call Update
Thank you to the amazing New Yorkers who participated in this year’s Open Call! Your visions for NYC continue to inspire us
If you submitted a vision for this year’s Open Call, you should have received an update regarding your status. If you submitted an idea and haven't heard back yet, check your spam folder or contact us at info@thedavidprize.org.
Opportunities
Applications are open for NYC EDC’s 2025 Founder Fellowship! This program is designed to support underrepresented tech entrepreneurs across New York City by providing access to capital, networks, and opportunities to scale their startups. Applications close on 12/11/2024.
Nominations for the December Elevate Prize GET LOUD Award are closing soon! They’re awarding $10,000 each to five nonprofits bringing holiday cheer to their communities, helping fuel their incredible work through the season. Nominations close TODAY!
NYSCA/NYFA is accepting applications for their Artist Fellowship — an $8,000 unrestricted cash grant available to artists living in New York State and/or one of the Tribal Nations located therein. Applications close on 12/17/2024.
Apply for a $1,000 Awesome Foundation Grant. The Awesome Foundation is a global community advancing the interest of awesome in the universe, $1000 at a time. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.