The January issue of CR features a cover by Norwegian illustrator Frode Skaren. We thought you'd like to see some more of his work which includes characters for Oslo's dangerously delicious Illegal Burger

For our Jan cover, Skaren reworked his poster for the 2011 by:Larm music festival, which was designed by Rune Mortensen, with whom Skaren often works. Here's a detail of the original poster and our cover.

For the next by:Larm, Skaren and Mortensen have been developing a new character who will feature in various poses

Skaren graduated from Oslo National Academy of the Arts in 2009. Since then he has been working as an illustrator and designer based in Flekkefjord "working together with Rune Mortensen," he explains, "but I have a redecorated studio in a barn in my hometown Kvinesdal, with a screen printing table, that I use occasionally."

One of Skaren's most popular jobs was for Oslo's Illegal Burger restaurant for whom he collaborated with The Metric System

So how's the Norwegian creative scene getting on, we asked? "Since I live practically in the forest I don't meet so many other illustrators, but thanks to the internet I get to be in touch with others," Skaren says. "I'll take a trip to Oslo [five hours away] where most of my colleagues live every now and then, and for me it's important to meet up and see what other people are doing. Even though I always hope for new clients and interesting projects, I'm fortunate to get a good stream of commissions coming my way, and I've done a few jobs abroad."

Other projects include this illustration of singer Janelle Monae for ENO magazine

This charming Christmas card was produced in response to a brief on opposites set by George Hardie at an illustration workshop

Piece for the Made in Arnhem visual arts festival

More music posters

And here's the full version of that 2011 by:Larm poster

See more of Skaren's work here

CR in Print

If you only read CR online, you're missing out. The January issue of Creative Review is a music special with features on festivals, the future of the music video and much much more. Plus it comes with its very own soundtrack for you to listen to while reading the magazine.

If you would like to buy this issue and are based in the UK,you can search for your nearest stockist here. Based outside the UK? Simply call +44(0)207 292 3703 to find your nearest stockist. Better yet, subscribe to CR for a year here and save yourself almost 30% on the printed magazine.