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Keren Rosen, better known to her followers as Dings & Doodles, is a freelance illustrator and designer based in Tel Aviv, Israel. She has worked with various well-known companies in Israel and abroad, and has drawn illustrations for numerous graphic books, commercials, magazines, and her own individual projects.

Keren’s artistic style is distinguished by bright colors and cute and humorous human-like or anthropomorphic characters. In this article, I want to share some of her unique illustrations of idioms that are just too funny when you take them literally. After seeing Keren’s works, words or expressions like “sweetheart”, “flashing light” or “full house” hit differently. What do you think?

More info: kerenrosen.com | Facebook | Instagram

#1

Image credits: dingsandoodles

Bored Panda got in touch with Keren Rosen to ask a few questions about herself and her creative process. The artist shared that she would always paint and handmake objects since she was young. This led to her studying industrial design, which she also ended up doing for almost 10 years. Keren was designing objects for various companies such as sneakers, light objects and more. But the artist added that she always tried to integrate her illustrations inside the designs or to have her own side project while working.

#2

Image credits: dingsandoodles

#3

Image credits: dingsandoodles

The idea to illustrate the literal meanings of idioms was born when Keren saw one fun illustration which made her think of looking for more puns. “Once I found more puns I liked, my mind just started to imagine the illustration and it was a very fun mental exercise for quite a while.”

#4

Image credits: dingsandoodles

#5

Image credits: dingsandoodles

When Bored Panda asked Keren what makes her passionate about creating illustrations, she replied that it’s hard to explain. “It is more of a feeling, it is a tickle on the top of my fingers and I look forward to doing it even if at times it is hard, scary, or frustrating (when you don’t know what to illustrate or it doesn’t turn out as you imagined). I usually lose track of time when I illustrate and many times it can feel like a meditative feeling. I am usually inspired by seeing art I like or going out to nature but sometimes it can also be a conversation with a fellow artist friend that can make me want to run and illustrate.”

#6

Image credits: dingsandoodles

#7

Image credits: dingsandoodles

In the last few years, Keren was working on an ongoing project called “Totems of the 21st century” which included wooden totems with hand illustrations. At the moment, she is working on a continuing project which includes ceramic pieces and carpets using the same illustration language she made for the totems.

If you enjoyed these fun illustrations, check out Keren’s socials for more of her art!