Christian Gralingen was born in Essen (Germany) and now lives and works as an Art Director and Illustrator, as well as teaching Illustraiton and Communication Design, in Berlin. He has a diploma in Communication Design from the University Duisburg-Essen (Folkwang). His client list includes design agencies, publishing houses, magazines, academic institutions and foundations.

His aesthetics have many influences but are particularly inspired by the imagery of scientific publications, construction plans and technical drawings.

References and previous clients include:

Bader & Rutter, The New Scientist, BBDO, Wired, Brew Dog, Büchergilde Gutenberg, Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle, Condé Nast, Die Andere Bibliothek, Gruner + Jahr, GQ Magazine, Hertie School of Governance, Hertie Stiftung, Lamborghini Magazine, Literaturhaus Stuttgart, Lufthansa Magazine, Ministry of Finance (Germany), Ogilvy, Rotes Kreuz, Slanted Magazine, The New Yorker, TÜV-Süd Magazine, CNET.

Christian’s work has been recognised by 3x3, The Art Directors Club Germany, American Illustration, Freistil, Joseph Binder Award, The Society of Illustrators and The Type Directors Club. He was one of the judges of the 3x3 Illustration Annual 2015. He has been awarded the Indigo Design Award 2020 (Graphic Designer of the Year and Gold Award, was inclided in the 200 Best Illustrators Worldwide 2018/19 by Lürzer’s Archive, Hiii Illustration 2017 (Best of the Best and Jury Award), Chairman of the 3x3 Illustration Illustration Show 2020 and was nominated for a World Illustration Award, AOI.

Christian is part of the creative collective "The Hof" located in the centre of Berlin. "The Hof" is an art space and also an association of designers, illustrators, photographers and copywriters.

Gold Medal, Illustrators 65
Society of Illustrators, New York
Climate Change
Client: Federal Agency for Civic Education