5 Minutes with SPHERE Illustrators, Darling Clementine

Our illustrations are known for their bold, Scandinavian aesthetic. We brought that signature style into this SPHERE Summer cover by... working with a tight, limited colour palette—it keeps our designs clean, bold, and focused. For this particular cover, we wanted a calm, serene mood to come through. Perhaps that’s what we’re longing for ourselves: a peaceful balcony, far from family resorts and the soundtrack of screaming children.

The balcony became a central idea. We were drawn to this because... we liked how a wraparound design could flow seamlessly across front and back, creating a continuous visual element. It also gave a nod to decorative repetition, almost like a pattern.

Our favourite part of the creative process is... art direction. That initial instinctive phase—when you just know which direction feels right—is thrilling. But the most satisfying moment comes after endless sketches and dead ends, when you finally hit the breakthrough. It’s like surfacing after being lost in the depths of trial and error.

We work as a duo which works for us because... we work best together, especially on complex projects that require exploring multiple directions before presenting to a client. Even with smaller jobs, having each other’s eyes on the work before moving forward is invaluable. Collaboration is our safety net and our springboard.

The name Darling Clementine came from... our love of storytelling. We wanted something that hinted at a hidden narrative—a name with layers and intrigue.

We often describe ourselves as “visual decision makers” because... that’s where we truly thrive: making strong, confident visual choices. We could have ended up in fashion, interiors, or fine art—but illustration and graphic design felt like home. Still, we resist being boxed in. The projects that excite us most are the ones where we can shape the entire visual concept, not just contribute illustrations.

We feel deeply connected to Oslo’s creative community because... it’s small and close-knit, and being part of an agency while freelancing gives us the best of both worlds.

Our go-to spots is Oslo for a dose of inspiration are... the Munch Museum, the National Museum, and the independent cinema Cinemateket. After winning a pitch or landing a large-scale project, we might celebrate with bubbles at our favourite French bistro in Oslo—Brasserie France.

For a lesser-known spot in Oslo we'd recommend... heading to the islands just off Oslo’s coast; Hovedøya and Gressholmen.

To unwind and reset we go to... a few architectural favourites in the city: Villa Stenersen and the Vigeland Mausoleum. When we need a proper break, we head to the mountains, pack up, and spend a few days at a cabin surrounded by nature.

A few artists we are forever inspired by are... Bauhaus for timeless elegance, Josef Frank/Svenskt Tenn for bold, contemporary colour, and Tim Walker for a touch of the surreal.

Our current studio soundtrack features a lot of... Sam Fender and Lola Young.

Coming up next... this autumn, we’re launching our new website and looking to take on even more design-led projects—ones where our art direction and conceptual thinking can shine alongside our illustration work.

darlingclementine.no