Øistein Kristiansen, born on December 9, 1965, in Sarpsborg, Norway, is a talented animator and cartoonist known for his imaginative and quirky illustration work. Growing up in Norway, Øistein developed a passion for drawing from a young age. He was always fascinated by cartoons and comics, which inspired him to pursue a career in the field of animation.
After completing his education in Norway, Øistein decided to further his studies in cartooning in New York City. It was during his time in New York that he honed his artistic skills and discovered his unique style as an illustrator. Upon completing his studies, Øistein began his career as a freelance artist, working on various projects for magazines like Vogue and ELLE.
However, Øistein's career took an unexpected turn when he decided to travel to Southeast Asia in search of new opportunities. While backpacking through the region, he found himself stranded in Singapore with limited funds. Determined to make the most of his situation, Øistein started drawing cartoons for tourists at the Clarke Quay shopping center.
Despite the initial challenges he faced, Øistein's unique art style quickly gained popularity among the locals and tourists in Singapore. His talent caught the attention of The Straits Times, a prominent Singaporean newspaper, which offered him a position as a cartoonist. This new opportunity allowed Øistein to showcase his creativity and connect with a wider audience through his work.
However, Øistein's true passion lay in creating content for children. In 2014, he launched his YouTube channel, Box Yourself, where he shared educational web series aimed at teaching kids how to recycle, upcycle, and craft using everyday materials, especially cardboard. His fun and engaging tutorials quickly gained a following, and the channel soon amassed over 750,000 subscribers and 352 million views.
Despite his success as a cartoonist and animator, Øistein remains humble and grounded, always striving to inspire creativity and imagination in children through his work. He continues to share his art and ideas with fans on social media, using platforms like Instagram to promote new content and connect with his audience.
Øistein's journey from a small town in Norway to becoming a renowned artist and educator is a testament to his dedication and passion for art. Through his work, he has left a lasting impact on the world of animation and children's entertainment, inspiring the next generation of artists and creators to follow their dreams.
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