Guznag

Guznag, whose real name is Julien Schmidt, is a Swiss illustrator and cartoonist. After completing his studies in visual arts, he continued his education at the École professionnelle des arts contemporains (EPAC) in Saxon, graduating in 2009. From an early age, he developed a passion for animal drawing, natural history and fantasy worlds—themes that would become the hallmark of his artwork. 

Since 2006, he has been a regular contributor to the satirical newspaper La Tuile, where he showcases his talent as a cartoonist. Alongside his work for the press, he has developed a personal oeuvre populated by anthropomorphic animals, imaginary creatures, and hybrid characters, which he depicts in the streets, cafés and landscapes of his native region. He notably cites the influence of Juanjo Guarnido’s artwork. 

His first solo exhibitions were held as early as 2008, followed in 2012 by Ma Zone, a series of illustrations featuring his creatures set against the backdrop of Porrentruy. This creative direction continued with several well-received exhibitions and the publication of the book Ma Zone in 2015, before evolving into new editorial and artistic projects. 

Between 2017 and 2020, he collaborated closely with the Parisian gallery Daniel Maghen, for which he created more than 150 original illustrations. This period helped bring his artwork to the attention of an international audience and collectors of fantasy art. Some of his works have been exhibited in Paris and featured in prestigious auctions, notably at Christie’s. 

Today, Guznag continues to create a unique body of work that blends humor, fantasy, and naturalistic observation. Populated by birds, benevolent monsters, and animals exhibiting typically human behaviors, his drawings have earned him growing recognition far beyond Switzerland’s borders.