Artist Aga Giecko gives Shake Shack a Camden twist

“It is very diverse, eclectic and vibrant around here, and I hope that shows in my artwork. The bright colours I used in my illustrations are reminiscent of the colourful shop fronts, street art, and bustling markets found throughout the area, mixed with shades of green, characteristic for Shake Shack,” she explains.

“The artwork features floral characters that are in motion; a reflection of Camden’s lively atmosphere. The area is always buzzing with people and activity, so my illustrations capture this sense of movement and action. By incorporating bright colours, different local landmarks (like the canal and the Camden Lock bridge) and a sense of motion and energy, I tried to create art that is both visually striking and reflective of the area’s unique character.”

Up against being bored to tears by all the one-dimensional tourist shots that get tagged as #camden online, (a large percentage of which get snapped right outside the new Shake Shack), we know Aga had to tread a particularly fine line here. ‘Brand Camden’ can so easily become a visual cliché, but her art manages to infuse the local iconography with a pleasingly individual twist.

“I always start with a sketchbook and a marker pen,” she reveals of her process. “I create a mind map and write some key words, defining the purpose of the commission and its audience. After that, I start sketching rough ideas, researching and piecing together a colour palette. Then it’s refining and building on that. I love a good laugh and don’t consider myself a serious person, so my illustrations are a reflection of that. My work is full of colour, humour, wonky lines and animated objects.”